Winter LIHEAP Begins Soon

READ THIS INFO ABOUT WINTER ENERGY ASSISTANCE

We've begun receiving inquiries for Winter Energy Assistance, however, new winter applications have not yet been released from the state. We will try to keep everyone updated as best we can. The Summer Energy Assistance program is still currently in effect for use towards past due electric bills.

NO PAYMENTS FOR WINTER HEATING ASSISTANCE WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL AFTER NOVEMBER 1ST, 2017 (ELDERLY/DISABLED) AND DECEMBER 1ST, 2017 FOR ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS.

Reminders:

• You MUST fill out a new application, every winter season, even if you have received services before.
• You MUST fall at or below 135% of federal poverty income guidelines to qualify.
• You MUST turn in all requested supporting documents even if you've had liheap before. Copies of Social Security cards, income, and etc. are not kept on file from year to year. It is your responsibility to provide our office with these documents each year.
• Leaving a voicemail is VERY important during LIHEAP season: messages should be short, to-the-point, and limited to your name, a working phone number, and a brief message. If in doubt, hit 0 for a receptionist.
• We are NOT able to contact your utility company, pledge payment, or postpone a shut-off until all paperwork is complete.
  
• Applications are processed in the order they are received (with the exception of crisis cases). Most applications will be processed the day AFTER they are received in this office, but our staff has up to 30 days to process non-crisis cases and up to 48 hours to process crisis cases. Please plan for this accordingly.
• It is YOUR responsibility to contact your utility company to see if you have a remaining balance that must be paid after or before we can make a pledge. Never assume your entire bill has been paid. Energy Assistance funds cannot be used to pay utility deposits, water, sewer, trash, cable, internet, or phone bills.
• Our staff reserves the right to end any phone conversation or in-person interaction that becomes abusive, whether verbally (yelling, cursing, name calling, etc.) or physically (invasion of space, pushing, poking, etc).

Winter assistance begins November 1st, 2017 for the elderly or disabled, and December 1st, 2017 for all other households. No funds will be available for utility assistance prior to those dates.