Group schedules appointments for HEAP program

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership, 1325 Fifth Ave., will schedule appointments for the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program through its interactive voice- response system beginning today through Aug. 31.

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.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time payment up to $250, or an air conditioner. Eligible senior citizens, age 60 and older, do not need a prescription to receive either benefit.

Applicants under 60 must have physician documentation stating that a household member would medically benefit to receive an air conditioner, and must not have previously received a unit from 2009 through 2011.

Physician documentation must be dated within 30 days of the appointment and note if the illness is chronic.

Eligible applicants with a disconnection notice can receive a one-time payment up to $250.

At the appointment, applicants must report total household income for the past three months, present proof of income, photo identification and Social Security numbers for all household members older than 18, and current gas and electric bills.

Applicants who are disabled must present proof of disability.

Customers are encouraged to also apply for the Home Energy Services Weatherization at the time of their summer crisis appointment.