Low-income energy assistance offered

— The Office of Human Concern will accept applications for the 2010 Summer Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program is for cooling only. The main office in Rogers will accept applications for regular and crisis assistance from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday - Friday ONLY. No one will be seen on Monday or after noon.

This program is designed to assist low income persons and families in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties with the rising cost of energy.

There are certain requirements for applying for this type of assistance. Applicants must supply written verification of all gross incomes, VA, SSI, SSA, unemployment, disability, child support payments and resources for the prior month at the time of application on all household members.

Submit copies of all information required, as originals will not be returned and no copies will be made. No faxed applications please.

If a household is claiming a zero income, they must provide a detailed written description of all financial obligations and how they have been met during the past two months. They should provide two collateral statements from non-relatives to further verify their situation in detail. Statements from persons who have assisted the household must have approximate dates, actual amounts and type of assistance. Both parties names, addresses and phone numbers mustalso appear on these statements.

A household should not wait until the last minute to apply if they have a shut-off notice. Bring the application in no sooner than seven days prior to disconnection date. Time is crucial. We cannot process an application without proper verifications.

Once an application is submitted, applicants will be notified by mail if further information is required. Regular applicants will be notified within 30 days.

Interviews will be conducted as needed by the Office of Human Concern. If an interview is required, the household will be notified by mail.

For further information about this program, contact the Energy Assistance Department at 636-7301 or 877-777-6422.

PROGRAM INCOME LIMITS

Household Monthly

size countable Income 1 $ 1,354.00 2 1,821.00 3 2,289.00 4 2,756.00 5 3,224.00 6 3,691.00 7 4,159.00 8 4,626.00 9 5,094.00 10 5,561.00

News, Pages 6 on 08/04/2010