BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — As we approach the winter season, we have to prepare for the ice, snow and possible storms. But inside our homes, the winter brings another challenge: High heating costs.

The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Department has announced that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be back this year to assist qualifying households in paying their heating costs.

Applications will be accepted beginning October 1st, and qualifying households can receive assistance from October up until May. Homeowners and renters can both apply.

The amount you will receive depends on the number of people in your household, total household income, energy source, and other factors.

“Utility costs are part of a family’s total housing cost,” Economic Assistance Director Michele Gee said. “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.”

In the last year, LIHEAP provided $11.2 million to 14,405 North Dakota households.

LIHEAP also offers assistance with weatherization services, as well as the costs of buying or repairing cooling/heating devices, including furnaces and air conditioners.

You can apply at the NDHHS website , or at your local human service zone office. You can also mail the application to the office.

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