The residents of Oklahoma who struggle with the costs of heating and cooling their homes can turn to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for financial support. LIHEAP, a federally funded program managed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, reaches out to approximately 182,000 low-income households in the state each year. The program aims to alleviate the burden of home energy expenses and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to comfortable living conditions.
During the winter months, the program offers the Regular Energy Assistance Program (REAP), non-crisis assistance that enables qualifying individuals to pay one heating bill and/or one cooling bill per federal fiscal year. This vital support is provided between November and January for heating expenses, and between June and August for cooling expenses. Oklahoma residents can easily apply for REAP online by visiting the official website, www.okdhslive.org.
To be eligible for LIHEAP, households must meet certain criteria. Applicants must be responsible for paying their home heating and cooling costs, and should either be U.S. citizens or have legal permanent residence status. Additionally, they must meet specific income guidelines and resource standards, which include various financial assets such as cash, checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, cryptocurrency, stocks, or bonds.
Eligible households in Oklahoma can apply for LIHEAP by visiting www.okdhslive.org. For individuals without computer access, assistance is available at local DHS Human Services Centers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can low-income households in Oklahoma receive assistance for heating and cooling costs?
A: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial aid to eligible households. To apply, visit www.okdhslive.org or visit a local DHS Human Services Center.
Q: What services does LIHEAP provide during the winter months?
A: LIHEAP’s Regular Energy Assistance Program (REAP) assists with one payment per federal fiscal year for heating bills between November and January.
Q: How can Native Americans receive energy assistance through LIHEAP?
A: If a Native American household is seeking energy assistance, they can apply through either Oklahoma Human Services or their tribe, but cannot receive assistance for the same component from both during the same federal fiscal year.