Group takes applications for help with electric bills

YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Area Community Action Council is advising Mahoning County residents that the scheduling of appointments is in progress this month for the Home Energy Assistance Program Summer Cooling Program. Funding is limited, so YACAC will prioritize assistance to eligible applicants.
An income-eligible household with a member who is 60 or older will be eligible to receive one payment on their electric bill without a disconnection notice up to the client's percentage of income or current bill, whichever is more, but not to exceed $175.
If the funding is not exhausted, limited funding will be available to eligible households with a disconnection notice to receive one payment for their electric bill up to the current bill but not to exceed $175. If the $175 is not sufficient to restore or maintain the service, a copayment will have to be paid.
Residents of any licensed medical facility such as a hospital or skilled nursing facility, publicly operated community residence such as the YMCA, boarding or rooming houses, group homes, or emergency shelters are ineligible. Tenants with Section 8 certificates can be eligible if the electric bill is in their name.
HEAP applicants must report their total income for the past three months for all members 18 or older. Potential applicants are urged to call and make an appointment before coming in to apply.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the local YACAC office at (330) 747-7921.