Oklahoma Human Services will begin accepting online applications on June 18, for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), at OKDHSLive. org. This federally funded program helps income-eligible families with their summer cooling utility bills.

LIHEAP

LIHEAP is offered two times a year for winter heating and summer cooling. Additionally, the Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) is offered mid-March, and life-threatening crisis assistance is available year-round.

Eligible households already receiving assistance through Oklahoma Human Services may be pre-authorized to receive LIHEAP for the summer cooling period, which means they do not need to complete an application. Households that are not pre-authorized but currently receive assistance through the agency may have been notified by text message and should apply online at OKDHSLive. org.

LIHEAP PAYMENTS

Only one payment per year, per household is allowed for the summer cooling program. LIHEAP payments made on behalf of eligible households must be applied to the primary source of cooling. “Household” is defined as individuals using one utility meter or energy source.

Native American households may apply through OKDHSLive. org or through their tribal nation. Tribal households cannot receive summer cooling assistance from both Oklahoma Human Services and their tribe during the same federal fiscal year.

LIHEAP INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

The maximum monthly gross income allowed per household size is: 1 person: $1,580 2 people: $2,137 3 people: $2,694 4 people: $3,250 5 people: $3,807 6 people: $4,364 7 people: $4,921 8 people: $5,478 Persons applying for the program should have the most recent cooling bill information for their home and utility supplier, as well as their ID, social security number and verification of income. Applicants must enter the entire utility information as it appears on the utility bill. For more information and to apply for benefits, visit OKDHSLive. org. Oklahoma Human Services expects higher call volumes during the LIHEAP enrollment period. Customers are encouraged to apply online at OKDHSLive.org with all required documentation for faster service.

Summer cooling is not a crisis program, households with cutoff notices do not receive priority. We recommend households continue paying their utility bill or work with the utility provider to avoid service interruption.