TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department for Children and Families will begin accepting applications from low-income Kansans for funds to help pay their winter energy bills.

DCF said in a news release the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households cover their heating bills during cold months. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. In 2015, nearly 48,000 households received an average benefit of $412.

“The frigid temperatures are here, and many families are struggling to stay warm,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “We have LIEAP staff trained and ready to begin processing applications, so families can afford to heat their homes.”

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility requirements are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates. For a family of four, that amount is $31,525.

Applications for the program have been mailed to households that received energy assistance last year. LIEAP applications are also available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. To apply online, click here.

For a chart showing the federal poverty level income by family size, click here.