While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Table of Contents
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Kansas, LIHEAP is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Kansas, click here.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Kansas, see the Kansas state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Kansas’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses. However, it does assist with cooling emergencies if applicants qualify for Crisis Assistance.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Kansas defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $4,301.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Kansas Department for Children and Families will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2024, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Kansas is $4,301 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $103.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Kansas, you must meet the following requirements:
The Kansas Department for Children and Families prioritizes households with elderly, disabled or young members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older, and young is considered five years old or younger.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Kansas here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from January 12 until March 29th each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Kansas, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Submit an online application here.
To submit by mail, fax or email, find your nearest Department for Children and Families (DCF) office and contact information here.
Access the Kansas LIHEAP application here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Department for Children and Families (DCF) office. Find your nearest DCF office here.
When applying for Kansas LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.
You can call the Department for Children and Families office where you applied to directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. If you are eligible for crisis assistance, the DCF will intervene within 18 to 48 hours.
All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Kansas LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Department for Children and Families (DCF) office where you applied within 30 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local DCF office here.
If the DCF representative cannot resolve the dispute, you can request a hearing with the Department for Children and Families. To begin this process, write an appeal request letter and mail it to:
Kansas Office of Administrative Hearings
1020 S. Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66612
Once the Office of Administrative Hearings receives the appeal, they will set up a hearing and notify you of the date, time and location.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Department for Children and Families:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Kansas or require further assistance, contact your local Department for Children and Families office. Find your nearest Department for Children and Families (DCF) office and contact information here.
You can also contact the LIHEAP phone line at (800) 432-0043 or call the Department for Children and Families benefits phone line at (888) 369-4777.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: January 24th, 2024