(MSC News)--A new temporary program to help low-income Kansans pay a portion of their propane heating bill was unveiled Monday.

According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the Emergency Propane Relief Program is designed to help individuals who rely on propane as their primary heating source and whose income falls between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

The program will provide a one-time $511 benefit to eligible households. The payment will be issued as a two-party check, so that only the propane vendor can deposit it.

Applications for the program will be accepted at all DCF service centers through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4th.

The applications can also be downloaded from www.dcf.ks.gov and faxed, emailed propane@dcf.ks.gov or delivered directly to the nearest DCF service center. All supporting documentation must be provided before the application can be processed. Necessary documents include income verification and verification of propane usage and vendor.

Families that qualify for the Emergency Propane Relief Program must meet the following criteria:

1. Households must use propane as their primary heating source and provide verification of their current propane vendor and bill.

2. Applicants must provide verification of their household’s income for the past 30 days.

3. The combined monthly gross income of household members must be between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level according to the chart below:

Households below 130 percent of the federal poverty level may apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Those who list propane as their primary heating source will receive priority status for processing.