BISMARCK – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will provide more assistance to qualifying households this year, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced.

HHS will begin accepting LIHEAP applications on Oct. 1, according to a HHS news release. If approved, program applicants can receive heating assistance from October-May.

In the last year, LIHEAP assisted 14,405 qualifying North Dakota households, providing $11.2 million in support of their home energy costs. Assistance amounts vary based on the number of people living in the household, total household income, energy source and other factors.

“To help improve overall housing affordability, the new LIHEAP assistance calculation is based directly on income and ensures families will not pay more than 6% of their income toward heating their home. Previously, families may have paid up to 14% of their income toward heating costs,” Economic Assistance Director Michele Gee said.

Both homeowners and renters can apply for heating assistance.

In addition to heating costs, LIHEAP may also assist with weatherization services and the costs of purchasing or repairing cooling and heating devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.

Individuals can apply for LIHEAP and other assistance through their local human service zone offices. For help filling out the application or submitting relevant verifications, North Dakotans can contact Community Options, a partner agency.