Winter energy funds released for the disabled, elderly

The Department of Health and Human Services has released funds to support low income individuals with special needs across the nation to pay energy bills during the winter season.

These funds are earmarked for people with disabilities, the elderly, or for parents whose children are six-years old, and younger.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), does not provide direct individual help, but individuals who may qualify need to contact their state’s LIHEAP office.

LIHEAP’s goal is to help families be safe, and stay indoors during heavy stormy weather, and to keep frail and sick individuals with continuous home energy.

People with disabilities, elderly and children are especially at risk for life threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, the department said.

Following are advices to stay safe indoors, and answers to common questions to find out how someone can qualify for LIHEAP funds:

BE SAFE IN YOUR HOME
You can face safety risks if you are unable to pay your home energy bills. Some people resort to unsafe methods to keep their homes warm or cool. These include the use of fireplaces, stoves, improperly vented portable heaters, barbecue grills, or overloading electrical circuits. These methods are not only fire hazards, but also create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

WHAT IS LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.

LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE LIHEAP ASSISTANCE?
The LIHEAP program in your community determines if your household's income qualifies for the program. The LIHEAP program may also require households to meet additional eligibility criteria to receive LIHEAP assistance.

The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed. Often most of the Federal LIHEAP funds are spent during the winter.

WHAT ASSISTANCE DOES LIHEAP PROVIDE?
Your LIHEAP program may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance:
• Bill payment assistance.
• Energy crisis assistance.
• Weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO APPLY?
Your may need the following:

~Recent copies of your utility bills.

~A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income.

~Documentation showing income from Social Security, unemployment insurance, pension funds, disability, etc.

~Final Utility Termination Notice (if someone has received a shut-off notice from the energy company).

~Proof of current address (e.g., rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill).
Proof of total members living in your household (e.g., birth certificates, school records, etc.).

~Social Security cards (or numbers) for all persons living in your household.

~Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIHEAP AND WHERE TO APPLY:
Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project. NEAR is a free service providing information on where anyone can apply for LIHEAP. Operation hours at NEAR are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mountain time, or from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pacific time.

• Call the toll-free phone number at: 1-866-674-6327,
• send an e-mail to: energy@ncat.org
or contact the State's LIHEAP office.