Winter Energy Assistance Deadline Approaching

The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services will be accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through Friday, March 30, 2012 . Applications must be received in the LIEAP Processing Center or a SRS office by close of business on March 30 ^th .

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay their winter heating bills. The primary groups assisted through the program are people with disabilities, the elderly and families with children. An average benefit of $262.97 will be received by the 40,095 cases processed so far this season.

Funding for the LIEAP program is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

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 level of benefit varies according to household income, number of persons living at the address, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

LIEAP applications are available at local SRS offices or by calling toll-free 1-800-432-0043.