Wichita ? The state will begin accepting applications this week for the energy assistance program.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families says it will start accepting applications Tuesday for its annual Low Income Energy Assistance Program to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills.

The agency says the primary groups assisted are people with disabilities, older adults and families with children.

The Wichita Eagle reports that income eligibility requirements are 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants also have to be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills to qualify.

The agency says in a release that nearly 48,000 households received an average payment of $412 last year. The energy assistance is a once a year benefit.