NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) -- The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps families in need with home weatherization.

Dr. Rachael Schafer with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services says they received over 8,000 applications in October and around 2,000 in November.

They see a significant surge of applications in October when they open and every time it gets cold, the applications spike again.

Schafer adds that the total number of improved households this year is 16% higher than last year.

She says they are about 1,400 more households approved then at the same time last year.

One reason is that last winter was mild, and the early snow and colder temperatures this year are driving a few more people to apply.

They adjusted their benefit calculation for this year.

"So, previously, we had our benefits based on adjusted income brackets and anyone under 60% state needing income could apply. However, this year we adjusted it to be a little more equitable to income amount and household size. Basically we are aiming to get families paying under 6% of their total income towards that heating utility cost," said Dr. Schafer.

She also mentioned that they also provide furnace repair services for the winter season.