Energy help available

A program to help low income households pay home energy bills will soon be accepting application.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides a once-per-year benefit to the energy provider in the recipient’s name.

To qualify, applicants must meet certain requirements:

• An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs, either to the landlord or the fuel vendor.
• Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments for primary heating energy.
• Gross monthly income must not exceed $1,307 for a household of one, $1,760 for a household of two, $2,213 for a household of three, $2,665 for a household of four, and income increasing by $453 for each additional person.
• The benefit awarded varies depending on household income, the number of people who live at the address, the type of dwelling, and the kind of heating fuel used.

Applications can be made Jan. 16 through March 31.

Marion County residents can contact Department for Children and Families, (620) 272-5985.