Low-Income Oklahomans Concerned about Reduced Winter Heating Assistance

Oklahoma Capitol -- As colder temperatures settle into Oklahoma, more low-income residents are now realizing a federally-funded program to help defray heating costs will be much less than previous years.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). But because of a drastic reduction in funding this year, many Oklahomans will not be eligible for heating assistance.

“We began notifying the public early in the season that LIHEAP funds would be significantly less this year,” said Kathie Wright, OKDHS Programs Manager. “But as the temperatures have started to drop, we are being bombarded with phone calls, questions and comments from clients who are upset they may not receive assistance.”

The OKDHS-LIHEAP budget is roughly one-third what it was a year ago, with only $16 million appropriated to fund multiple programs, including winter heating, energy crisis assistance, and summer cooling.

“Typically we have an open application period for winter heating assistance that normally would begin Dec. 1,” Wright said. “But because of the reduced funds this year, we will only offer assistance to pre-approved households, or those who already receive benefits through other OKDHS programs and are identified as most vulnerable.

“This goes against the very core of our mission at OKDHS, which is to help Oklahomans in need. However, with limited funds from the federal government we can only do what we can with what we have,” Wright added.

Additionally, Wright says the amount provided to households who are pre-authorized will be less than previous years.

“We were faced with some very tough decisions this year,” Wright said. “We could keep the same dollar amount paid to households in past years, and help less people.  Or, we could reduce the dollar amount to each household and try to help as many Oklahomans as possible. We opted for that decision.”

If Congress approves a budget and LIHEAP is funded at a higher rate than currently anticipated, OKDHS will consider accepting applications from other households at a later date in the winter of 2012.

“Bottom line is that OKDHS is trying to help as many Oklahomans as possible with what we have been provided,” Wright said, “and we continue to hope additional funds will become available.”

###