WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – From food to gas prices, inflation has made paying for basic necessities a struggle for many Kansans.
To help ease the financial stress, local utility companies are accepting applications for LIEAP, a low-income energy assistance program.
The program is hosted by Evergy and Kansas Gas Service. Although held annually, the program has expanded the applicant to more people this year. Eligible families could live at 150% of the poverty level, a 20% increase from last year’s limit.
Other eligibility requirements state that the applicant must be responsible for paying the fuel bill and have paid a minimum of $80 for utilities in the past 90 days.
Approved applicants will receive a certain amount of benefits based on household income, number of people living at the address, type of home, and type of fuel used for heating. The average benefit last year was $1,180.
LIEAP Qualifiers are also eligible to apply for Wichita Public Works’ Water Bill Relief Program. Eligible households will receive a $50 credit towards their water bill.
“Just with the cost of everything going up, any additional financial assistance right now is much needed with the cost of spending,” said Alison Lee, Senior Client Affairs Advisor at Evergy, “You don’t have to have gone by for apply for Kansas LIEAP programs.”
The Evergy Connect Center hosted an event today, helping visitors with questions and answering questions. They also had booths that provided resources for food, shelter, health care, and employment support.
The center will host another event on March 9. You can visit here for the LIEAP event schedule.
The LIEAP application is also available on the Evergy website. The deadline to apply is March 31st at 5pm
