HELENA — The temperatures are dropping and COVID-19 still causing strain on the economy.
The Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) wants people to know they are here to help -- and anyone who lives in the Treasure State is eligible.
The program is federally funded through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and offers financial assistance for anyone struggling to pay their heating or cooling costs.
LIEAP typically serves around 20,000 households across the state of Montana.
"The more people that apply shows that there is need and there will be more funding in years to come," Rocky Mountain Development Council Energy Programs Director Jonathan Ballew said.
"All of our LIEAP clients need to have safe and adequate heat, so if one of our LIEAP clients has a problem with their heating system it just doesn't turn on one day if they call our office we can send a technician out to repair or replace that heating system to get it back online and we will provide them with temporary heat," he added.
There is no cap on how many people can apply for LIEAP. The program is open to households that meet certain income requirements. Those who receive SNAP benefits or other forms of assistance may qualify automatically.
Ballew added the winter season is just beginning. If you think you might need assistance, you should apply sooner rather than later. Click here for more information about LIEAP.
