MYCAP to begin application process for home utility aid

Staff report

Youngstown

The Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership, 101 E. Federal St., will schedule appointments for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program through its interactive voice response system beginning Thursday.

Potential applicants must call 1-866-223-1125 to make an appointment before coming in to complete an application. The appointment line is open 24 hours, seven days a week. A limited number of walk-ins will be serviced beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Walk-ins are for individuals whose services already have been disconnected and customers with less than 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 being turned back on in their name at the same residence must pay the $35 reconnect fee before coming into the office and bring the receipt.

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.

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 $750. Customers using coal/wood are eligible for up to $350. The effective dates for the program are Nov. 1 through March 31.

If your service is not in disconnect status, applications for Ohio’s Regular Home Energy Assistance Program through Columbus also 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 determines the amount of assistance received.

Applications may be picked up at MYCAP between 8 a.m. and 5 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.