Upcoming cold weather could mean expensive energy costs once again for heating bills across Kansas.

According to the Kansas Corporation Commission and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas costs are projected to rise by 30 percent while energy costs are expected to be six percent higher.

Therefore, The Kansas Department of Children and Families is once again informing residents about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The program provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. In 2021, 38,750 households received an average benefit of $1,389, an increase from 2020 when about 34,000 households received an average benefit of $960.

Funding for the LIEAP 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.

People with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. Applications for the program will be accepted beginning Monday, Jan. 3rd through March 31st.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility requirements are set at 150% 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.

Applicants need to have made payments on their heating bill two out of the last three months. Those payments must be equal to or exceed $80 or the total balance due on their energy bills, whichever is less.

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 starting Jan. 3. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. To apply online, visit https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal. For more information, visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.