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November 10, 2012

DHS to help with heating costs

Transcript Staff The Norman Transcript

NORMAN —  Help with home heating costs will be available across the state this winter through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The application period for assistance through OKDHS will begin Dec. 11. Applications will be accepted until allocated funding is spent. Applicants will need to provide identification, income verification, and their most recent heating bill.

“Many households, but not all, that are currently receiving public assistance through OKDHS may be automatically authorized and will not need to make an application,” said Cari Crittenden, OKDHS LIHEAP coordinator.  “These households will be notified in early November of their eligibility.”

Crittenden says applicants who may have moved recently, or households that are usually pre-approved but did not receive a notice this year should apply at their local OKDHS office.

Most households that receive other forms of public assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP—formerly known as “food stamps”), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state supplemental payments to the aged, blind or disabled will be mailed LIHEAP applications.

Eligibility for assistance is based on household income and assets. Low-income households not receiving other forms of public assistance may be eligible for home heating assistance.  It is important that persons requesting LIHEAP assistance have their household’s most recent heating bill and income information available when applying.

For more information, contact the local OKDHS human services center in your county of residence.

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