The Kansas Low-Income Energy Assistance program began accepting applications on Monday, Jan. 4.
The program provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay their winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups who are assisted.
Kansas will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program from Monday, Jan. 4, until Wednesday, March 31.
Last year about 34,000 households received received an average of $600 in financial relief, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which offers the program.
Kansas energy customers can apply for LIEAP program funds on the Kansas Department for Children and Families Energy Assistance website. Applicants will need utility account numbers, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of their household.
“We have customers in need of help right now and are pleased funds may be available to them with the opening of the LIEAP applications window,” said David Mehlhaff, BPU chief communications officer. “When we are connecting with our customers to provide helpful resources and services, sharing information about LIEAP is a meaningful way to help, especially now when times are challenging for so many.”
In response to the challenging times, in December the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities suspended disconnects of utility service for non-payment and extended this temporary moratorium through Feb. 28.
LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel and utility rates. Eligibility is based on an applicant’s heating bill. If an applicant needs assistance covering electric costs, they need to request the benefit be split between the two utilities.
Applicants need to have made payments on their heating bill two out of the last three months. Those payments must be equal to or exceed $80 or the total balance due on their energy bills, whichever is less.
To learn more about eligibility requirements or fill out a LIEAP application, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families website or call 1-800-432-0043. LIEAP applications are on the Kansas Department for Children and Families website at Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) beginning Monday, Jan. 4, until Wednesday, March 31.
Funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Customers are encouraged to stay current with their bills to avoid getting too far behind and if anyone has any BPU billing or customer service questions, they can call 913-573-9190 and a utility representative is available to assist.
- Information from David Mehlhaff, BPU chief communications officer