Appointments for Emergency HEAP help to begin Thursday

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership will begin to schedule appointments for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program through its Interactive Voice Response system beginning Thursday.

Emergency HEAP provides assistance to low-income households that have had utility service terminated, face the threat of disconnection or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel.

Potential applicants must call to make an appointment before coming in to complete an application.

The 24-hour toll-free number is (866) 223-1125.

A limited number of walk-ins will be taken starting at 7 a.m. for individuals whose services already have been disconnected and customers with less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. Those customers whose services are off need to call the utility company and set up service and bring their account numbers with them. Those whose electric service is off and going back on in their name at the same residence must pay a $35 fee to reconnect before coming — and bring the receipt.

A maximum one-time payment of $175 per heating season is from Nov. 1 to April 30, 2010, as allowed under the program guidelines to restore or retain service. Bulk-fuel households are eligible for up to $600. Customers using coal/wood are eligible for up to $350.

Emergency HEAP applicants must report their total household income for the past three months for all members 18 or older at the interview. Both homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply if their household is equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

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 for all household members over age 2 are required.

If your service is not in disconnect status, applications for Ohio’s Regular Home Energy Assistance Program are 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 the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership 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. Homeowners need to provide proof of ownership.