The deadline for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to receive applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program is Monday.

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Qualifying households include individuals with disabilities, elderly persons, and families with children.

According to the SRS, so far this year 32,279 qualifying households have been provided an average benefit of about $420.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility guidelines are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Guidelines can be found at www.srskansas.org/ISD/ees/lieap.htm.

The benefit amount varies according to household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, type of heating fuel and utility rates. Applicants must demonstrate they have made payments on their heating utility bill two out of the last three months and those payments must be equal to 10 percent of the household’s gross income or $40, whichever is less.

If eligible, visit www.srskansas.org/ISD/ees/lieap.htm, call (800) 432-0043 or visit a local SRS office for applications. One of the Lawrence SRS locations is 1901 Delaware St.