KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas has reopened the window for applications to its Low-Income Energy Assistance Program through May 29.
The federally funded program, which helps residents who meet certain income criteria with utility payments, normally is reserved for winter heating bills.
It has been reopened due to the special circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and is available through the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
“We have customers in need of help right now and are pleased funds may be available to them with reopening the LIEAP applications window,” Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities Chief Communications Officer David Mehlhaff said in a statement.
Applicants who are responsible for home-heating costs will need their utility account information, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of the household. To request assistance with electrical and natural gas costs, applicants will need to ask for the benefit to be split between the two utilities.
Eligibility is based on a resident’s heating bill and takes into account household income, number of residents in the household, type of residence, type of heating fuel and utility rates.
Residents who have received an LIEAP benefit after Dec. 15, 2019, are not eligible.
BPU previously issued an emergency order suspending all disconnections for nonpayment through May 31.
“When we are connecting with our customers to provide helpful resources and services, sharing information about LIEAP and assisting with applications is a meaningful way to help, especially now when times are challenging for so many,” Mehlhaff said.
Visit the DCF website or call 1-800-432-0043 for more information or with questions about the LIEAP program.
Customers with questions for BPU should call 913-573-9190.
Applications can be submitted through 5 p.m. on May 29.