OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Limited assistance to cover some winter heating costs will be available through Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ human services centers across Oklahoma Dec 4., an official announced today.

“Oklahoma’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is expected to receive federal funding totaling nearly $10 million this winter,” said OKDHS LIHEAP Coordinator Mel Phillips.  “The program application period will remain open until Dec. 20 or until funds run out.”  OKDHS administers the federal LIHEAP in Oklahoma. 

LIHEAP assistance was provided for more than 90,000 Oklahoma households last winter, according to Phillips.  Households that receive public assistance, such as, Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or State Supplemental Payments to the Aged, Blind or Disabled, have been automatically authorized and will not need to make an application.  Others receiving public assistance have been mailed LIHEAP applications with instructions on how to apply.

“Eligibility for help through LIHEAP is based on household income and assets,” Phillips said. “Low-income households that do not receive public assistance may also be eligible for limited home heating assistance.“

Persons in households making applications for LIHEAP assistance must have the latest heating utility bill and proof of income or unemployment information when applying at local human services centers.

Persons needing more information about LIHEAP should contact the local OKDHS Human Services Center in their communities.

The maximum LIHEAP income guidelines are:

Size of Household	Allowable Monthly Net Income
1	$ 899
2	$1,210
3	$1,522
4	$1,834
5	$2,145
6	$2,457
7	$2,769
8	$3,080

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