The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is being expanded to help Kansas residents with high utility bills, according to Gov. Laura Kelly.
Gov. Kelly announced Thursday that the application deadline for LIEAP assistance is being extended to May 28.
Also, income requirements for the program are changing from 130 percent to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, according to the governor’s office. For example, a household of four that makes $39,300 a year or $3,275 a month would qualify for LIEAP assistance.
“We know that many people face higher than normal energy bills because of the unprecedented winter weather in February,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a news release. “Today, I am announcing further steps that will allow more Kansans to take advantage of the LIEAP program to pay their utility bills. My administration will remain in communication with our federal and local partners to protect Kansans from the impacts of extreme cold temperatures.”
DCF will review all previously denied applications during the 2021 LIEAP program year. Any cases that now qualify under the new income threshold and meet other eligibility criteria will receive the benefit.
The LIEAP program provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. LIEAP primarily assists persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children.
To qualify for the program, 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.
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.
LIEAP applications are available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. To apply online, visit https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal. For more information, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.
