The Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (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 LIEAP, administered through the Wyoming Department of Family Services, has expanded to include the federally funded program.

“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. “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.”

Applications will be accepted through the summer months and at the start of the 2020-21 LIEAP season. Current LIEAP recipients, who submitted an application between Sept. 1 and Feb. 29,  should call 1-800-246-4221 to request the additional CARES assistance.

Households that believe they may now qualify for LIEAP assistance should submit an application at www.lieapwyo.org/ or by fax or mail. “We strongly encourage families and individuals who think they may be eligible to apply,” Ilg said.

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