PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- With cooler temperatures on the way, and rising natural gas prices, there are programs available to help pay expected higher heat bills.

South Dakota Department of Social Services Secretary Laurie Gill says they have applications for the low income energy assistance program, or LiHEAP on their website.

Gill says they have staff that can help too.

The state got over one hundred fifty million dollars in federal funding for LiHEAP last year. Gill says they will get more Covid related funding this year.

There are income guidelines for the program and the money is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.