Appointments available for help with electric bill

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Partnership will schedule appointments for the summer crisis and energy-assistance program through its interactive voice response system.

Potential applicants must call to make an appointment before going in to complete an application. The 24-hour/seven-days-a-week toll-free number is (866) 223-1125.

A limited number of walk-ins will be taken from 8 to 9 a.m. Walk-ins for this program are people whose electric service is off.

The program will assist low- income households with a one-time payment toward the electric bill. A maximum one-time payment of up to $175 of the current bill will be provided.

The program runs from Wednesday through Aug. 31, or until funds are exhausted. A disconnection notice is not required.

To receive assistance, applicants must be at or below 175 percent of the poverty level.

Senior citizens 60 and older do not need a doctor’s note.

Anyone under age 60 must provide a notice from a doctor stating that someone in the household has a breathing problem to receive the electric assistance.

Applicants must bring the following to their appointment: current gas and electric bills, all income to the household for the past 90 days, Social Security cards for all household members, and photo identification for those 18 and older.

Disabled individuals must provide proof of disability. Applications cannot be completed without all necessary documentation.

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for home-weatherization assistance at the time of their appointment.