Library: News Release
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Applications for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program’s Energy Crisis Assistance Program will be taken beginning on March 24 at all Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ Human Services Centers. Applications will be taken until April 4 or until ECAP funds run out.
“Eligibility for help through LIHEAP is based on household income and assets,” said Kathie Wright, programs manager, OKDHS Family Support Services Division. “Low-income households that do not receive public assistance may be eligible for home heating assistance.”
It is important that individuals requesting LIHEAP-ECAP assistance provide their household income information and verification that service has been terminated or will be terminated within 72 hours as well as verification of Social Security numbers for all household members and citizenship verification, Wright added.
The maximum income guidelines for the program 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 |
Wright explained that high energy bills may force some Oklahoma families to make tough choices.
“Often, when a household experiences a crisis because of a large energy bill, or they’ve had their service shut off, the household members are forced to sacrifice in other areas, such as purchasing food, medicine or other necessities,” Wright said. “ECAP will help alleviate this stress for these families.”
Federal funding for the current crisis program in Oklahoma is projected to be approximately $1 million. More than 14,000 households received crisis assistance last year.
For more information, please contact the OKDHS county office in your area.
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