An important program to help individuals with keeping their homes heated this winter has opened up registration.

New Opportunities of Guthrie County Family Development Coordinator Rhonda Huggins says that October 1st was the first day that elderly and disabled individuals could begin signing up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that this year they are having to restart on filing some of the requirements for those applying for help from LIHEAP.

“This year we are dealing with a new computer system, so we are asking everyone that applies to bring in all documentation. In the past, our computer would save like, their Social Security card so we would have that on file. But that is not the case this year, so we are asking that they bring (their) last 30 days income, their heat and electric bill, as well as Social Security cards for everyone in the household.”

Huggins mentions that all individuals with an income will need to provide these documents and information. Huggins adds that on November 1st, all other individuals that meet the household income guidelines can apply for help from LIHEAP, and will have the same requirements. She adds that LIHEAP assistance will run through April 30th.