HEAP to offer energy assistance for summer

Staff report

Youngstown

Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership will schedule appointments for the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program through the interactive voice-response system at 866-223-1125 starting Thursday at the agency’s new location, 1325 Fifth Ave.

The program begins June 4 and continues until Aug. 31.

A disconnection notice is not required, and a limited number of air conditioners will be provided.

Income-eligible applicants can receive a one-time, electric-assistance payment up to $250, and/or an air conditioner. Income-eligible senior citizens 60 and older do not need a physician’s prescription or letter to receive either benefit.

Anyone under 60 must have a physician-documentation stating someone in the household would benefit medically to receive an air conditioner, and must not have received an air conditioner in 2009, 2010 or 2011.

The physician letter or prescription must be dated within 30 days of the appointment and notate if illness is chronic.

Income-eligible households with a disconnection notice can receive a one-time electric assistance payment up to $250. Residents with a tenant-based Housing and Urban Development Section 8 housing subsidy are eligible if the electric bill is in their name.

HUD and Section B tenants applying for an air conditioner will need a statement from their landlord the air conditioner will be theirs to take upon moving.

Applicants must report their total household income for the past three months. Potential customers are encouraged to apply if their household income is equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Each applicant also must bring their gas and electric bills, proof of income, photo identification for all household members 18 or older, and Social Security numbers for all household members to the face-to-face interview. Disabled customers must present proof of disability.

Home Energy Services weatherization can be applied for at the time of the summer-crisis appointment.