Low Income Energy Assistance Available

Kansans with low income will have a little extra help paying their utility bills this summer, thanks to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

“The hot summer months can be especially difficult for Kansans who face the dilemma of whether to turn on the air conditioner and face a high electricity bill or pay for other necessary expenses,” Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “This extra assistance will help keep Kansans safe from dangerous heat.”

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. In the winter of 2017, almost 38,000 households received an average benefit of $525.

This year, funding is available to provide an additional benefit to those households for energy costs. This is not a new application period. Households that applied for and received a benefit during the regular application period will automatically be issued a supplemental benefit. Households receiving the supplemental benefit will receive written notice of the specific benefit amount they will be receiving. Supplemental benefits will be paid in the same manner and to the same vendor as they were for the regular benefit. The supplemental funds will be dispersed beginning Aug. 9.

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.

For more information on the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Energy/EnergyAssistance.aspx. You can also call 1-800-432-0043.