Eligible households in Kansas can receive assistance through March for a one-time benefit of $511 to help pay for propane home heating costs.

The Emergency Propane Relief Program, available through the Kansas Department of Children and Families, is being offered in response to the recent national propane shortage that has resulted in a substantial price increase for propane customers.

The application period began Feb. 4. Applications are available through all DCF service centers or applicants can download a printable application at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services.

Completed applications and supporting documentation must be delivered or faxed to the local DCF Center no later than 5 p.m. on March 4. The payment will be made directly to the household’s propane vendor.

To qualify, eligible families must use propane as their primary heating source and provide verification of their current propane vendor. Applicants must provide verification of their household’s income for the past 30 days. Income guidelines must be met as determined by the number of members in the household and the monthly gross income of household members. Specific information is available at all DCF offices.

The Department of Children and Family office that serves Marion County is at 411 Washington Rd. in Newton. The phone number is (316) 283-6835.