The Kansas Department for Children and Families has announced an early start for an annual program that helps low-income families with winter energy bills.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will begin taking applications Monday, November 18th, and they’ll be accepted through 5 p.m. on March 31st, 2025.

LIEAP provides a one-time-per-year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2024, over 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home’s heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applications can be found online at dcf.ks.gov which will have a list of in-person events where people can get help in submitting their applications.  Kansans applying for LIEAP should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if living in subsidized housing.  Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services, and Midwest Energy, may attend LIEAP application events in their service areas.

DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in a press release, “By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes.”