(Sibley)– With the heating season upon us, thoughts for many less fortunate residents are turning to how to keep warm. For some it can be a difficult balancing act between deciding to stay warm and making other sacrifices. With that in mind, Laurie Ruuf of Upper Des Moines Opportunity is urging anyone in that situation to look into the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program…or LIHEAP.
Ruuf says the program provides a one-time payment to the client’s heat provider. Ruuf says those who qualify for reduced school lunch prices also qualify for LIHEAP.
Ruuf says unlike years past, people shouldn’t wait until later in the season to sign up. She says there’s a very real possibility they could run out of funding.
Ruuf says the LIHEAP sign-up that’s currently underway is just for those 60 and over or those who are disabled. Anyone else can start making appointments to apply November 1st.
Ruuf says those applying need to provide a copy of recent heat and electric bills and proof of the household’s income for the past 90 days or a copy of last year’s income tax return.
Ruuf expects a very high demand for the program this year. She says the phones at UDMO offices in Dickinson and Osceola counties have been ringing a lot lately.
