MYCAP scheduling appointments

The program provides money to pay heating bills for low-income families.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership is scheduling appointments for the Emergency Home Assistance Program through its Interactive Voice Response system.
Potential applicants must call to make an appointment before coming in to complete an application.
The 24-hour, seven-day-a-week toll-free number is (866) 223-1125. A limited number of walk-ins will be taken from 8 to 9 a.m. for individuals whose services already have been disconnected.
The emergency program began Nov. 1, 2006, and continues through March 30.
What it does
Emergency HEAP provides assistance to low-income households that have had utility services terminated, face the threat of disconnection, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel.
A maximum, one-time payment of up to 175 per heating season is allowed under the program guidelines to restore or retain services.
Bulk fuel households are eligible for up to 450. Customers using coal/wood are eligible for up to 250. People whose service is already off or people using bulk fuel do not need an appointment.
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 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
Take bills
Customers must bring both current gas and electric bills to their appointment. The application cannot be completed without all the documentation being presented. Disabled customers must bring proof of their disability. Social Security cards are required for all household members over the age of 2.
If your service is not in disconnected status, applications for Ohio's regular Home Energy Assistance Program through Columbus are also available at various locations throughout the county.
Regular HEAP pays a one-time portion of eligible household heating bills based on winter usage. Total household income and size determines the amount of assistance received.
Applications may be picked up at the MYCAP between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Churches, organizations or agencies needing a supply of applications are urged to call the MYCAP office at (330) 747-7921, ext. 1128.
Customers are encouraged to also apply for the Home Energy Services (weatherization) at the time of their HEAP appointment. Those interested would need proof of household income for the past year. Homeowners need to provide proof of ownership.