The Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services, is accepting applications.

LIEAP is a federally funded program designed to help eligible Wyoming residents pay their residential heating bills during the winter months — November through May. LIEAP approval may also result in approval to get eligible homes weatherized, which can significantly lower the energy costs and improve the comfort, health and safety of qualified Wyoming homes.

Applications may be requested by calling the LIEAP office at 1-800-246-4221 or by sending an email request to lieapinfo@thealignteam.org. Applications are also available at all local Department of Family Services offices and senior centers. Applicants may apply online at www.lieapwyo.org/forms-and-application.html.

Earlier this year, Wyoming LIEAP received $2.4 million from the federal CARES Act to help low-income households directly impacted by COVID-19 with home heating and energy bills.

“Wyoming families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their home energy bills,” said Brenda Ilg, LIEAP program manager, in a press release earlier this year. “This critical funding will help us help families stay afloat. It will give peace of mind to thousands of current LIEAP recipients, and to many other Wyoming citizens who may become eligible for the program due to income loss.”

Eligibility is based on gross household income, household size and whether the applicant is responsible for paying the home energy costs.

The 2020-21 application has been updated to include questions about COVID-19, so applicants can indicate if they have lost their jobs or had work hours reduced due to the pandemic.

Applicants should mail completed applications and supporting documents to:

P.O. Box 827, Cheyenne, WY 82003; fax them to 307-778-3943; submit online at www.lieapwyo.org/forms-and-application.html; or email them to lieapinfo@thealignteam.org.