BISMARCK — The North Dakota Department of Human Services is reminding residents that the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help qualifying households with the cost of winter heating bills.
The program pays a portion of the home heating costs, whether a home is heated with natural gas, electricity, propane, coal, fuel, oil, wood or kerosene. The program also covers weatherization services, furnace cleaning, repair and replacement, chimney cleaning and inspection, and emergency assistance for crisis situations to avoid shutoffs and disconnects, and to help when no other resources are available.
Assistance amounts are based on the number of people living in the home, their combined income, type of heat source and other factors to ensure help is provided for those who need it most. Last heating season, the average help per household was $890.
To qualify, a household can earn up to 60% of the state median income, which equals $31,443 a year for a one-person household and $50,792 a year for a three-person household. More program information can be found at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/financialhelp/energyassist.html .
Both homeowners and renters can apply for LIHEAP through their local human service zone office in their county now through May 31, 2021. Individuals living in subsidized housing whose heat is included in their rent are not eligible for the program.
ADVERTISEMENT
Those needing assistance completing an application can work with their local human service zone office or contact Community Options at 800-823-2417 ext. 140.
