TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that the start date for the 2026 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) season is currently pending, awaiting federal funding approval.
LIEAP is a federally funded initiative that provides a one-time annual benefit to help eligible households pay a portion of their home heating costs. The program assists thousands of low-income Kansans each year during the coldest months, easing the burden on families struggling to afford rising utility expenses.
DCF officials said they are ready to begin planning for the 2026 application period as soon as federal funding is confirmed. “We are awaiting updates from the federal government regarding the financial support required to move forward,” the agency stated. “Once approval is secured, we will notify the public about the application timeline.”
To qualify for LIEAP assistance, households must meet specific requirements:
- An adult living in the home must be directly responsible for paying heating costs, whether those payments go to a landlord or a fuel provider.
- The combined gross income of everyone living in the home must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
Benefit amounts are determined based on household income, number of residents, type of housing, and the heating fuel used.
More information, including a full list of frequently asked questions, is available on the DCF website. Those with immediate questions can call the LIEAP hotline at 1-888-369-4777.