Human Services seeks input for energy assistance program

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is seeking public comment about the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, which helps low-income households pay for their home energy needs.

Public comment is open from Aug. 15, and should be emailed to Liheap2@okdhs. org or submitted by letter to Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Attention LIHEAP, P.O. Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0352.

The program's components include: • The Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) provides assistance for households with a verifiable energy crisis, including the loss of heating or cooling that may cause a life-threatening medical situation. Open enrollment for the program begins each year in mid-March. Open enrollment for life-threatening medical is accepted year round.

• Non-emergency summer cooling program provides assistance with a one-time payment per fiscal year to the energy company that provides the main source of cooling for the household. Open enrollment begins each year in June.

• Non-emergency winter heating program provides assistance with a one-time payment per fiscal year to the energy company that provides the main source of heating for the household. Open enrollment begins each year in December.

LIHEAP eligibility requirements are based on income, household size, available resources, and responsibility for payment for home energy (households are not eligible for LIHEAP if the utility bill is paid directly to the energy provider by someone who does not reside at the residence). Maximum monthly gross income allowed by household size:

1 person: Allowable monthly gross income is $1,354, 2 people: $1,832, 3 people: $2,311, 4 people: $2,790, 5 people: $3,269, 6 people: $3,748, 7 people: $4,227, 8 people: $4,705.