How to get help with heating bills

 11/13/2014

The recent arctic blast in our region probably has many people thinking about their heating bills. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help eligible households in Oklahoma and Missouri cover those costs.

In Oklahoma, the Department of Human Services says that a limited amount of winter heating assistance funds will be made available across the state. The application period starts Tuesday, Dec. 9. DHS will take applications until all allocated funds are depleted. DHS has approximately $8 million in federal funds for this year’s Winter Heating Program in Oklahoma.

For Missourians, the Missouri Department of Social Services has begun accepting applications for LIHEAP assistance.

“Cold winters can be especially difficult for Missourians who struggle to afford their basic heating bills,” Brian Kinkade, Missouri Department of Social Services Director says in a release. “LIHEAP lessens the impact of higher energy bills for low-income Missourians so that they can stay healthy and safe during the cold winter months.”

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on each household’s income and assets. To apply:

• Missouri: Download the LIHEAP application with instructions and information on the nearest agency location or visit www.DSS.mo.gov.
• Oklahoma: Contact the local DHS human services center in your county of residence
  
  

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Energy-efficiency assistance

Titan ES, a service provider for PSO's Efficiency Outreach Program, wants to help more homes in the Tulsa area. They recognize the wonderful services that the Tulsa Area United Way agencies have provided over the years to help people. (Goodwill is a member agency.) 

The program provides free energy upgrades, such as attic insulation; sealing duct systems and reducing air drafts around the doors and windows. PSO customers (except those with 74106 and 74126 zip codes) who meet the following basic requirements are eligible to apply:

• Household income less than $35,000 per year
• Owner-occupied home
• Single family structure (mobile homes, duplexes and apartments are excluded at this time)

Here is a link for more information: http://www.powerforwardwithpso.com/my-home/efficiency-outreach