Starting Tuesday, applications will be accepted for assistance to low-income families needing help with their heating bills.

Last year, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program provided benefits to nearly 50,000 Kansas households. The average annual benefit was $308.

Households may request an application by either going to the local Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services office at 1901 Del., calling toll-free at (800) 432-0043, or going online at www.srskansas.org.

Applications already have been mailed to people who received energy assistance last year and other targeted low-income families, including those who received food assistance or cash assistance during December.

The program “helps elderly persons, persons with disabilities or people out of work or in low-wage jobs pay their heating bill,” SRS Secretary Gary Daniels said.