Federal Fund Helps Low Income Families Pay Energy Costs DCF to extend LIEAP Deadline and Expand Income Limits to Help Kansans

(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — As part of her continuing efforts to help Kansans navigate higher utility bills due to the recent arctic weather in February, Governor Kelly announced today that she is expanding the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

Effective immediately, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is extending the application deadline for LIEAP to May 28th.

Additionally, the agency is expanding the income requirements from 130% of the federal poverty level to 150%. DCF will also review all previously denied applications during the 2021 LIEAP program year. Any cases that now qualify under the new income threshold and meet other eligibility criteria will receive the benefit.

The program provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay their winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups who are assisted.

Kansas energy customers can apply for LIEAP program funds on the Kansas Department for Children and Families Energy Assistance website. Applicants will need utility account numbers, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of their household.

To learn more about eligibility requirements or fill out a LIEAP application, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families website or call 1-800-432-0043. LIEAP applications on the Kansas Department for Children and Families website at Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

“We have some customers that may have faced higher than normal energy bills because of the unprecedented winter in February and are pleased funds have been extended,” said David Mehlhaff, BPU Chief Communications Officer. “When we are connecting with our customers to provide helpful resources and services, sharing information about LIEAP is a meaningful way to help.”

In response to the challenging times, the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) extended disconnects of utility service for non-payment until March 31st.

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. 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. Eligibility is based on an applicant’s heating bill. If an applicant needs assistance covering electric costs, they need to request the benefit be split between the two utilities.

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.

Funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance 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.

Customers are encouraged to stay current with their bills to avoid getting too far behind and if anyone has any BPU billing or customer service questions, they can call 913-573-9190 and a utility representative is available to assist.