TOPEKA (KSNT) - Cuts at the federal level could impact a state program that helps lower-income people and families heat and cool their homes. On Tuesday, April 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired everyone who had been working on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), according to a now-former employee. Kansas' Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) distributes funds from LIHEAP locally. It helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. The program is administered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). It's unclear at this time the LIHEAP staff cuts will impact Kansas' distribution program. A spokeswoman for Evergy issued the following statement regarding the situation: "The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is an important program that assists some of our communities' most vulnerable residents. Last year alone, Evergy's customer outreach teams worked face to face with nearly 70,000 customers to help them secure assistance for their utility bills." Kansas has program funds that have already been received and are available to distribute to qualified customers. The state's application window ended March 31. "Evergy is working with our national trade association, and we are waiting to hear how this program will work moving forward." Statement excerpt from Evergy 27 News has reached out to DCF for comment but had not received one by the time of this publication. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less