Utility Crisis Assistance Funds Still Available for Low-Income Households
Library: News Release
Media Inquiries may be directed to:
Mark K. Beutler, M.Ed. - OKDHS Office of Communications
Phone: (405) 522-3731, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
Oklahoma Capitol -- Funds are still available through the Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) to help low-income Oklahomans who may be in danger of having their services terminated. ECAP is part of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).
“We have not seen as many Oklahomans applying for ECAP this year,” said Kathie Wright, OKDHS’ LIHEAP Programs Manager. “I’m not sure if it’s because of the relatively mild winter, but we still have funds available for those who may be in danger of having their utilities terminated.”
Federal funding for the current crisis program in Oklahoma is approximately $6 million, and applications will be accepted until all allocated funding is spent.
Low-income households receiving public assistance and those not receiving public assistance may be eligible for home heating assistance. It is important that persons requesting LIHEAP assistance provide their household’s income information and verification of service termination or that service will be terminated within 72 hours as well as verification of income, social security numbers for all household members and citizenship verification.
Applications will be accepted at OKDHS local Human Service Centers.
The maximum income guidelines are:
| Size of Household | Allowable Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 |
$ 998 |
| 2 |
$1,348 |
| 3 |
$1,699 |
| 4 |
$2,049 |
| 5 |
$2,399 |
| 6 |
$2,749 |
| 7 |
$3,099 |
| 8 |
$3,449 |
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