Oklahoma Human Services accepting applications for energy assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Human Services has begun accepting online applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

This federally-funded program helps income-eligible families with winter heating utility bills. Applications are accepted online at OKDHSLive.org.

LIHEAP is offered two times a year for winter heating and summer cooling. Additionally, the Energy Crisis Assistance Program is offered mid-March, and life-threatening crisis assistance is available year-round.

Only one payment per year, per household is allowed for the winter heating program. LIHEAP payments made on behalf of eligible households must be applied to the primary source of heating. Household is defined as individuals using one utility meter or energy source. The maximum monthly gross income allowed per household size is: 1 person: $1,580; 2 people: $2,137; 3 people: $2,694; 4 people: $3,250; 5 people: $3,807; 6 people: $4,364; 7 people: $4,921; 8 people: $5,478.

Persons applying for the program should have the most recent heating bill information for their home and utility supplier, as well as their ID, Social Security Number and verification of income. Applicants must enter the entire utility information as it appears on the utility bill.

Eligible households already receiving assistance through Oklahoma Human Services can be pre-authorized to receive LIHEAP for the winter heating period, which means they do not need to complete an application. Households that are not pre-authorized but currently receive assistance through the agency have been notified by mail.

Native American households also may apply through OKDHSLive.org or their tribal nation. Tribal households cannot receive assistance from both Oklahoma Human Services and their tribe during the same federal fiscal year.