BISMARCK – In commemoration of National Energy Assistance Day today, North Dakota Health and Human Services is encouraging North Dakotans who are struggling to pay for heating costs to explore options for assistance and services through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

NDHHS accepts applications from Oct. 1 through May 1 for heating assistance, weatherization and other related services for the winter season. Both homeowners and renters can apply for the LIHEAP.

So far this winter, 12,500 qualifying North Dakota households received an average monthly payment of $270 for heating assistance.

Emergency assistance is also available to help during unexpected financial hardships, offering financial support for furnace replacements, preventing shutoffs and disconnects, and helping households with the costs of temporary heating or cooling devices.

Individuals who need help applying for LIHEAP should contact Community Options.