How to Sign Up for Heating Bill Assistance from DHS

Many Oklahomans who can't afford to stay warm this winter can get a little extra help from the Department of Human Services.

Tuesday, December 1st 2009, 12:55 pm

By: News 9

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many Oklahomans who can't afford to stay warm this winter can get a little extra help from the Department of Human Services. Starting now you can apply for assistance through DHS for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP.

Last year, more than 100,000 people got help with their heating bill. This year, the demand may be even higher.

The first day applications were accepted for LIHEAP and DHS offices were packed. The need for assistance as the days and nights turn colder is increasing.

"When I go into my house, it's freezing cold. But when I turn my heat on I let it run through the nighttime. And then I wake up in the middle of the night and turn it off. So it don't... I'm trying to reserve as much as I can," said Almetr Brison, who is applying for heating bill help.

Applications will be accepted until the $18 million in government allocated funds are spent.

Eligibility is based on household income and assets. For a household of one, the maximum income guideline per month is $1,174. For a household of two, $1,579 and it goes up from there.

"We are on a fixed income at the present time and so what we receive on our fixed income is very small, and our bills are a bit much for us to take care of," said Atea Coleman, who has a family of four and needs help supporting them.

Many families that already receive DHS public assistance will be notified of their automatic qualification for the program and don't need to apply. But for others, the government's authorization of their application determines whether or not they'll have heat in their homes this season.

"If it wasn't for the state as well as the federal government feeding the monies into the state, you know a lot of us wouldn't be able to stay warm, or even keep the electric on to cook and to eat," Coleman said.

You must have your latest heating bill and income information when you apply.

For more information, you can call 521-34-44 or learn more on DHS' Web site.