OKLAHOMA CAPITOL---While recent rains have provided a temporary reprieve from Oklahoma’s summer heat, it won’t be long before many Oklahomans are facing heat-related health problems.
A limited amount of summer cooling assistance funds will be available across the state through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is administered through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
The funds are designed to help low-income households that are extremely vulnerable to summer heat stresses. OKDHS will begin taking applications on July 16, and will continue until all allocated funds are depleted. OKDHS has approximately $3 million for this year’s Summer Cooling Program in Oklahoma.
Eligibility is based on each household’s income and assets, an OKDHS official said.
“If you know someone who is facing heat-related health problems because of their inability to afford adequate cooling, and who may be income eligible, please tell them about the Summer Cooling Program available at their local OKDHS office,” said Mel Phillips, OKDHS LIHEAP coordinator.
The benefits are $120 for a one-person household, while a home with two or more persons may receive $180. Only one payment per household is allowed annually for LIHEAP summer cooling assistance.
The maximum 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 |
Persons applying should have the latest electric bill for their home and verification of income information when they apply. For more information, contact the local or county OKDHS human services center.
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