People who need help with their gas or electric utility bills can apply through March 31 for a once-a-year federal benefit.
Kansas residents whose incomes are 150% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP.
That’s an annual income of $20,385 for a household of one, or $41,625 for a household of four, before taxes; or monthly income of $1,699 for a household of one, $3,469 for a household of four, as examples.
“LIEAP is federally funded and helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit,” according to a news release from Evergy Tuesday morning. “A customer’s electric account does not need to be past due to receive the funds.”
The average benefit is $1,180, which can be applied to electricity or gas bills, according to the release.
Evergy staff members will be in town from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, 1600 Haskell Ave., to help customers apply for LIEAP, according to a list of events on the company’s website.
Local folks who need help with energy assistance can apply for help from Warm Hearts of Douglas County in addition to LIEAP, according to the organization’s website. They accept applications from Jan. 1 through May 31. Find more information at warmheartsofdouglascounty.com.
See FAQs about LIEAP, including a full list of what’s required to apply, at this link. Get more information from the Kansas Department for Children and Families at this link.
Apply for LIEAP via the DCF website at this link. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, March 31.
For LIEAP application- or benefit-related questions, call 1-888-369-4777 and press 4.
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