Topeka - The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) is accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through Tuesday, March 31, 2009.  Applications must be received in the SRS office by close of business on March 31st.

Funding for the LIEAP 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 (LIHEAP).

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Individuals with disabilities, elderly persons, and families with children are the primary groups assisted.  So far this year, 34,041 qualifying households have been provided an average benefit of $717.52.

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. Persons with incomes within the following guidelines may receive LIEAP benefits:

The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, type of heating fuel, and utility rates. Applicants must demonstrate they have made payments on their heating utility bill two out of the last three months and those payments must be equal to 10% of the household’s gross income or $80 whichever is less.
LIEAP applications are available online at srskansas.org, at local SRS offices or can be requested by calling toll-free 1-800-432-0043.