Funds are helping lower costs of heating, utilities and energy repairs for hardworking families, seniors
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., announced that Kansas has received a record $72.1 million to help families afford energy costs this winter—more than double the state’s typical annual investment.
Rep. Davids is the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote for the American Rescue Plan, which delivered this increase in energy cost assistance to Kansans across the state.
Rep. Davids helped secure this funding through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the American Rescue Plan and annual appropriations.
As the global economy continues to deal with the impacts of the pandemic and high energy costs, Kansas families and seniors can use these funds to lower the costs of staying warm this winter, cover utilities, and pay for energy repairs, according to the announcement.
As heating costs are predicted to rise as much as 30% this winter, Davids pushed the Department of Health and Human Services last month to evaluate and improve the LIHEAP program, which primarily serves folks with disabilities, seniors, and families with children across Kansas.
“We started 2022 with a severe winter storm in the Kansas City area, proving just how important it is to help folks afford energy costs and stay warm, safe and healthy this winter,” Rep. Davids said. “I’m proud to have voted for the largest investment ever in lowering home heating costs for Kansas families and seniors in need, so we can ensure everyone in our community can weather the winter.”
Local families and seniors who are struggling to cover home heating costs may call the LIHEAP public inquiry phone number at 1-800-432-0043 or visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families website at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx for more information on eligibility.
Kansas residents who participate (or have family members who participate) in certain benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, and TANF, automatically meet the eligibility requirement for LIHEAP assistance. Applications for assistance are open until March 31, 2022.