People who received assistance last year and other low-income families should have received applications.

Anyone who would like an application is encouraged to visit the area Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services office or other area social service agencies.

Applications for assistance also are available by calling (800) 432-0043.

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to qualifying households for home fuel and energy purchases.

In 2003, the benefits were provided to 38,342 households in Kansas and averaged $359.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills.

Income eligibility guidelines are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The amount of benefits provided to families varies according to household income, number of people living at the address, type of dwelling, type of heating fuel and utility rates.

In addition to LIEAP, the Kansas Weatherization Program is available to help qualified households pay for home weatherization needs, including assessment, caulking, insulation, modifications, repairs or replacement of heating and cooling systems.

The weatherization program operates year-round, through the Kansas Housing Corporation.

Eligibility guidelines for the weatherization program, which differ from LIEAP, are 150 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of the state median income, whichever is greater.

For more information about this program or for an application, call the Housing Information Line, (800) 752-4422.