Tag: Assistance

Assistance Programs

If you or someone you know needs water or energy assistance, take advantage of the application period for these programs that runs until March 30.

Emergency Water Assistance Program – this program’s purpose is to restore or prevent disconnection of water to Kansas households earning less that 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level which equals $3,469 a month for a family of four.

This program provides a one-time payment to restore or prevent disconnection of drinking water and wastewater services. This program is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families. DCF is required to pay public water utility vendors directly on behalf of qualifying households.

Once the funding is depleted the program will end. Applications, instructions, and income limits can be found online at www.DCF.KS.gov/EWAP.

 

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program – this federally-funded program helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. Applications must be received prior to 5 p.m. March 31.

In order to qualify, applications must meet the following requirements:

  1. An adult living at this address must be personally responsible for paying heating costs at the current residence, payable either to the landlord or the fuel vendor.
  2. Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments toward purchase of the primary heating energy.
  3. The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

More information can be found at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx  or by calling 1-800-432-0043

By: Brenda Langdon

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP

The Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally Funded Program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.  The application period is from January 4 through March 28, however this year it has been extended to May 28, 2021.

With the unprecedented winter weather in February, many households will face higher than normal energy bills. You can apply online or contact your local DCF office. This year the income guidelines have increased slightly so more Kansans can benefit from this program. The benefit amount may not be based on the amount owed to the utility company. The benefit amount is based on several factors including number of applicants, type of primary  heating fuel and household income along with other requirements.  Reach out to the local DCF office or contact your local extension office for assistance.

By: Brenda Langdon

 

Your Valuable Records

In an emergency, would your family or trusted friend know who to contact? Your bank? Your financial adviser? Your insurance company?

Free resources from K-State Research and Extension are available online for downloading and printing, including https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF685.pdf, which can help anyone gather important information in one place. That information can be kept in a safety deposit box or other secure location and can be invaluable in emergencies.

The form includes space for family members’ names, birthdates and more, plus contact information space for key advisers, such as attorney, executor, doctor, religious adviser, insurance agents, and banker. It can also help gather basic information about vehicles and other property and credit, bank and retirement accounts.

More information about this and other resources is available at K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District offices. Links to resources also may be found on the K-State Research and Extension COVID 19 page https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/.

Source: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/05/preserve-valuable-family-records.html

By: Brenda Langdon

State Resource List

If you are needing assistance, here is a list or state resources/agencies that may be of help to you and the service that they provide.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) This program will provide nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of low-income individuals and families helping them afford the food they need to eat. This website has links at the top of the page to apply for assistance. http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/food/foodassistance.aspx
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Healthy foods and services to low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, new moms, and kids under age 5. Find out how to apply by using this website http://www.kansaswic.org/families.

 

 

  • Summer Food Service Program, provides free nutritious meals and snacks to all children 18 years old and under at approved summer food service program sites when school is not in session.

 

  • Senior Nutrition and Resources, provides prepared meals for eligible seniors through various settings such as congregate meal sites, home delivery or grab and go locations. Contact area agency on aging for a site near you.

 

  • Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), monthly financial support to qualifying low-income families with children to help them pay for basic needs, including utilities, diapers and transportation. https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal

 

  • Hero Relief Fund provides childcare subsidies for essential workers who have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. http://ksherorelief.com/

 

 

 

 

  • Evictions or Foreclosure Protection, Executive Order 20-10 issued by Governor Kelly, temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions in Kansas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This protection extends until May 1, 2020 or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier.

By: Brenda Langdon