A limited amount of summer cooling assistance funds will be made available across the state through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is administered through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The funds are designed to help low-income households that are extremely vulnerable to summer-heat stresses. OKDHS will begin taking applications Monday, July 19, and will continue until all allocated funds are depleted. OKDHS has approximately $18 million in federal funds for this year's Summer Cooling Program in Oklahoma.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on each household's income and assets. If you or someone you know may be income eligible and are at risk for heat related health problems due to the inability to afford adequate cooling, you are encouraged to apply for the Summer Cooling Program available at your OKDHS Human Services Center.

Many households that receive public assistance through OKDHS may be automatically authorized for summer cooling assistance and will not need to make application. Preauthorized households will be notified of their eligibility by letter prior to the beginning of the application period.

The benefits are $200 for a one-person household, while a household of two or more may receive $250. Only one payment per household is allowed annually for LIHEAP summer cooling assistance.

The full story is available in this week’s edition of the Mangum Star-News.