Topeka ? Kansas plans to send 15,000 poor families a one-time benefits payment of $400, starting next week.

The Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services says the $6 million to provide the special benefits comes from federal stimulus dollars.

The money is for families covered by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It’s meant to cover higher costs, particularly for utilities, that arise during the summer.

Eligible families will be notified by mail.

Gov. Mark Parkinson says he’s pleased because the money will go into local economies.