Financial aid is available to help Wyoming families stay warm this winter

As winter temperatures approach, many Wyoming households are preparing for larger energy bills.

Nationwide, Americans are expected to spend about $82 more on heating than they did last winter, a jump that is more than twice the inflation rate.

Kristina Packard, who manages the Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program, said federal assistance is not meant to cover utility costs all year, but it can provide crucial help when the weather turns dangerously cold.

“We know that the bills are higher, and maybe your income is not higher. It is designed to help out during those colder winter months. Everybody needs a little help sometimes,” Packard said.

Wyoming’s program has about $11 million available for eligible households. The money can be applied to heating expenses such as electricity, natural gas, propane and other fuel sources. A family of four earning a little more than $5,700 a month, and an individual earning just under $3,000 a month, may qualify. Even so, only 16% of eligible households applied last year. Applications can be submitted online at MyLieapWyo.org or by calling 800-246-4221.

Packard said the program is meant to help households that pay a disproportionate share of their income for energy. She emphasized that it is especially important for seniors and others on fixed incomes, noting that people who are used to paying about $50 a month may see winter bills climb to $75 or $80, leaving little room in their budgets for the extra expense.

“We have many seniors who have said, 'I'm able to keep my home at a comfortble temperature because I don't have to worry about the extra.' Because they're on a fixed income,” Packard said.

The assistance is available to homeowners, renters, and people living in permanently parked trailers and RVs. Packard said she wants Wyoming residents who qualify to claim the federal tax dollars they have already paid into the system.

“There are many households that could be eligible as far as their income is concerned that either don't know about the program or not apply for the program. So we just are really trying to get the word out there and say, 'Hey, you know, apply.' It's a great program,” Packard said.