YOUNGSTOWN Emergency help with heating still available

YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Area Community Action Council is advising Mahoning County residents that YACAC continues to schedule appointments for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program.
Emergency HEAP provides assistance to low-income households that have had utility service terminated, face the threat of disconnection or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel.
HEAP also may assist in establishing new service. A maximum, one-time payment of up to $175 per heating season is allowed under the program guidelines to restore or retain regulated heating services.
Bulk-fuel households are eligible for up to $250. Customers using coal or wood are eligible for up to $175. The program will operate until March 31.
Emergency HEAP applicants must report their total household income for the past three months for all members 18 and older at the face-to-face interview. Both homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply if their household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
Documents required
Customers also must bring copies of both primary (gas) and secondary (electric) utility bills to their appointment. Disabled customers must bring proof of their disability. Social Security numbers for all household members over the age of 2 are required.
Potential applicants are urged to call to make an appointment before coming in to complete an application.
The 24-hour HEAP information number is (330) 480-9600. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the preceding number between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
If your service is not in jeopardy, applications for Ohio's regular HEAP are also available at various locations throughout the county.
Regular HEAP pays a portion of the eligible households' heating bills for December, January and February. Total household income and size determine the amount of assistance received.
Applications may be picked up at YACAC, 101 Federal Plaza East, Suite 200, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Churches, organizations or agencies needing a supply of applications are urged to call the YACAC office at (330) 792-7921.
Customers are encouraged to also apply for Home Energy Services at the time of their HEAP appointment. Those interested would need proof of household income for the past 12 months. Homeowners need to provide proof of ownership.