Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 521-3027; Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: George.Johnson@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- A limited amount of summer cooling assistance funds will be made 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 July 14, and will continue until all allocated funds are depleted. OKDHS has approximately $3 million in federal funds for this year’s summer cooling program in Oklahoma.
Cari Crittenden, OKDHS LIHEAP coordinator, said eligibility for LIHEAP is based on each household’s income and assets.
“If your income is eligible and you are at risk for heat-related health problems because you cannot afford cooling, you are encouraged to apply for summer cooling assistance available at your OKDHS human services center,” Crittenden added.
For a one-person household, the benefits are $120, while a household of two or more 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 | $936 |
| 2 | $1,255 |
| 3 | $1,574 |
| 4 | $1,893 |
| 5 | $2,212 |
| 6 | $2,531 |
| 7 | $2,850 |
| 8 | $3,169 |
Persons applying should have the latest electric bill for their home and verification of income information when they apply. For more information, contact the OKDHS Human Services Center in your county of residence.
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