Home Energy Assistance program can ease “winter crisis”

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership is scheduling appointments, beginning Monday, for people seeking help with utility bills under the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis program.

The program, which begins Nov. 3, is specifically for low-income families who have had their utilities disconnected, face the threat of disconnection, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. A one-time payment of up to $175 is permitted under the program, officials said.

An appointment is required. Call (866) 223-1125 toll-free. A limited number of walk-ins will be accepted from 7 to 8 a.m. for people whose utilities have already been disconnected or who have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel.

Emergency Home Energy Assistant Program applicants must report their total household income for the past three months for all members 18 years of age and older. Both homeowners and renters are urged to apply if their household income is equal to or less than 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Customers must bring current gas and electric bills to their appointment, and disabled customers must bring proof of their disability. Social Security cards are required for all household members over the age of two.

If a household’s utility service is not in disconnect status, applications for Ohio’s regular HEAP are 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 determine the amount of assistance received.

Applications may be picked up at MYCAP, 101 Federal Plaza East, Suite 200. Churches, organizations and agencies needing a supply of applications may call MYCAP at (330) 747-7921 ext. 1128.

Customers are also encouraged to apply for the Home Energy Services (weatherization) at the time of their HEAP appointment. Those interested need proof of household income for the past 12 months and must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Home owners need to provide proof of ownership.

A hike in Federal HEAP funding to Ohio will enable the state to increase the average HEAP benefit to eligible households this heating season, according to Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher. He said the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Community Services will receive $245 million in HEAP funding for Fiscal Year 2009, an increase of $145 million over Fiscal Year 2008.

Last year, the state through HEAP helped some 400,000 eligible low-income households meet home energy bills with a one-time payment for the current winter heating season. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for a larger amount of assistance.