Area residents who are struggling with their winter heating bills can reach out to a state organization for help starting Tuesday.

Social and Rehabilitation Services will accept applications for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program through March 30. The program provides financial support to households that qualify, typically the elderly, those with disabilities and families with children. This past year, the average support was $554.

Qualifying applicants must make no more than 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The poverty level is scaled based on how many people live in the family, and that figure is a determining factor in what level of support a household is entitled to.

Applications have been sent to certain households, including those that received assistance last year, but also are available at SRS offices, including the Lawrence location at 1901 Del., by calling (800) 432-0043 or by visiting www.srskansas.org.