TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation is again providing funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for eligible Cherokees and other Native Americans this winter.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that serves low-income households who need assistance for their home energy bills. The program encourages priority be given to those with the "highest home energy needs, meaning low income households with a high energy burden or the presence of a vulnerable individual in the household, such as a young child, disabled person or frail older individual.

This year, the Cherokee Nation received additional funding for the program, allowing for an increase in the income for those eligible for assistance. Income eligibility levels are based on income plus the number of persons residing in your home.

Income eligibility this year cannot exceed poverty level plus 50 percent, whereas the amount has traditionally been poverty level plus 10 percent. For example, a household of two cannot have combined incomes totaling more than $1,750 per month, or $21,000 per year, and a household of four cannot have combined incomes of more than $2,650 per month or $31,800 per year.

For complete income eligibility guidelines, contact the Family Assistance Program.

LIHEAP payments are also provided by other area agencies; however, a household can only legally receive services through one agency.

To be eligible, a person must reside within the tribal jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation, have a CDIB card, show proof of income for the previous three months, show proof of residency and provide energy vendor. 

Payments will be made to the vendor in recipient’s name.

Priority will be given to elders and families with children under the age of five.  Applications will be accepted from through Jan. 2. Applications for crisis situations will be accepted beginning Jan. 5.

Information: Janet Ward, Cherokee Nation LIHEAP coordinator, at 453-5327.