Supplemental Funding Allows Cherokee Nation To Accept LIHEAP Applications

The Cherokee Nation says it has gotten a supplemental $215,000 LIHEAP appropriation and that will allow them to assist approximately 1,000 eligible households.

Monday, December 19th 2011, 2:05 pm

By: News On 6


While many Oklahomans who depend on heating assistance through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP were unable to apply at the first of the month, the same program offered through the Cherokee Nation is now accepting applications for eligible Cherokees.

DHS officials said an open application period was canceled on December 1, 2011 because of a cut back in funding from the federal government.

"Typically we have an open application period for winter heating assistance," said Kathie Wright, OKDHS Programs Manager. "But because of the drastically reduced funds this year, we will only offer assistance to pre-approved households, or those who already receive benefits through other OKDHS programs and identified as most vulnerable."

The Cherokee Nation says they got a supplemental $215,000 appropriation and that will allow them to assist approximately 1,000 eligible households.

Income eligibility levels are based on income plus the number of persons residing in your home and have changed this year. Although in the past the income eligibility limit was set at the national poverty level plus 10 percent, the participating household's income this year cannot exceed the national poverty level plus 50 percent.

Applications will be accepted through January 13, 2012.

Meanwhile, DHS says they will consider accepting applications at a later date if Congress approves increased levels of funding for LIHEAP.

"Bottom line is that OKDHS is trying to help as many Oklahomans as possible with what we have been provided," Kathie Wright said.

LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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