The state is taking two steps to help residents who may be struggling to pay energy bills.
Kansas is now accepting applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. LIEAP is a federally-funded program that uses a one-time benefit per year to help eligible households pay a part of their home energy costs. Typically, LIEAP is available in the fall and winter months, but the coronavirus situation has prompted the Kansas Department for Children and Families to reopen the application window through May 29.
Qualification information can be found below.
Separately, the Kansas Corporation Commission has extended its deadline for suspending utility disconnects from May 15 to May 31. That policy has now been in place since March 16. Several area utilities, including Evergy and 4 Rivers, have already taken that step either through May 31 or June 1.
LIEAP qualifications
Persons Eligible
In order to qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
*An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs incurred at the current residence, payable either to the landlord or the fuel vendor.
*Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments toward purchase of the primary heating energy.
The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level according to the guidelines listed below:
2020 Income Eligibility Guidelines
Persons Living at the Address/Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1: $1,354.00
2: $1,832.00
3: $2,311.00
4: $2,790.00
5: $3,269.00
6: $3,748.00
7: $4,227.00
8: $4,705.00
9: $5,184.00
10: $5,663.00
11: $6,142.00
12: $6,621.00
+1: $479.00 for each additional person
