EMERGENCY PROGRAM Help with heating bills offered to certain low-income residents

Appointments, which are required, can be made seven days a week.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership is scheduling appointments for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program.
Low-income households that have had utility service terminated, face disconnection or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel are eligible.
The program allows one-time payments of:
U$175 per season to restore or retain heating service.
UUp to $325 for households that use bulk fuel.
UUp to $250 for households that use coal or wood.
The program will operate through March 31, 2005.
Applicants must make an appointment before showing up to complete an application. The 24-hour, toll-free number for the agency's interactive voice-response system is (866) 223-1125.
Interview required
After arranging appointments, applicants undergo a face-to-face interview. They must report total household income for the past three months for all members 18 and older.
Applicants must take current gas and electric bills to their appointments, along with Social Security cards for all members of the household over the age of 2. Disabled people must show proof of their disabilities. Without all required documentation, applications cannot be completed.
Homeowners and renters alike are free to apply.
For those whose heating service is not in jeopardy, applications are available at various locations for Ohio's Regular Home Energy Assistance Program through Columbus. Regular HEAP pays a one-time portion of an eligible household's heating bills based on winter usage. Total household income and size determines the amount of assistance received.
Applications may be picked up at MYCAP between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Churches, organizations or agencies needing a supply of applications can call the MYCAP Office.