A program that helps less fortunate individuals and families is now taking applications for qualified households to ensure they can keep the heat on this winter.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is for households that are at or below the 200-percent federal poverty level. New Opportunities Greene County Coordinator Teresa Lansman tells Raccoon Valley Radio this federally-funded program continues to be of great importance in Greene County, having served about 510 households last year. She explains that if you qualify, you can get about $400 to help with extra heating costs.

“It goes straight to your heating company. Basically what it does is it’s supposed to take the edge off the larger bills that you might incur during the winter months. It also helps, as soon as they sign up, they cannot be disconnected until April 1st. That is the only guaranteed way that you cannot be disconnected from your gas and electric company is to sign up with us.”     

Lansman urges people to register for this program sooner than later to take full advantage of when colder months happen to have those funds already in place.  Lansman adds to sign up for LIHEAP you have to have Social Security cards for everyone in the household, and an electric and gas billing statement. Contact Lansman to schedule an appointment at 515-386-2719.