INDIANAPOLIS -- As Hoosiers in need lined up for the first day to apply for winter heating help, state officials said they aren't sure how far this year's funds will stretch.

The amount of money coming from the federal government to Indiana -- $103 million -- is the same as last year, but just about every other part of the equation has changed because of the recession, including more people out of work, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

"I don't know if we'll be able to help everyone who needs it," said Edgar Tipton, Indiana Community Action Association director for Marion County. "But we're going to at least be able to help as many people as we have last year."

Last year, the state provided assistance to a record 197,000 households, about 40,000 more than the previous winter.

To be eligible, a family's income must be no more than 150 percent of the poverty level, or a little more than $33,000 for a family of four.

Some have proposed cutting the benefit per family to help more Hoosiers in need, but Indiana Energy Assistance Administrator Tom Scott said that wouldn't be a wise move.

"Well, Indiana has always had one of the lowest benefits in the Midwest. Last year, we increased it to $368 on average for heating and electric, and we think that's a pretty appropriate benefit," he said.

Advocates for the poor said they agree with the state. They said that since the current benefit only covers about one month's bill for many recipients, it doesn't make sense to dilute it by dividing it up among more families.

Those who lined up at the Indiana Community Action Association center on North Meridian Street Wednesday said they just want to make sure they're able to turn the heat on this winter.

"It's very important when you don't have any income, it's very important," one applicant said.

"We need help from these people so we can keep it on and stay warm," one woman said.

More Information: Winter Heating Assistance Information