BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota program that helps needy people pay winter heating bills is getting a financial boost from the federal government before winter sets in.

Officials say North Dakota will receive $222,900 in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as LIHEAP. It helps eligible families pay for home heating and weatherizing.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the state received $22.2 million in LIHEAP funding last fiscal year.

Records show 13,700 North Dakota households received help during the last fiscal year.

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