By Ryan Duey

As temperatures fall, the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced that Kansans needing financial assistance to keep their heat on this winter can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) earlier this year than in past years.

Laura Howard, DCF Secretary stated that Kansas winters can be brutal and no Kansas family should be cold. They are accepting LIEAP applications beginning Dec. 18th, rather than the beginning of January as they have traditionally done.

LIEAP helps Kansans restore or maintain energy services that heat their home. This includes electricity, natural gas, propane, and other home heating fuels.

Applications can be completed online at www.dcf.ks.gov. To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Qualified applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level