Income-eligible households now may apply for Home Energy Assistance Program funding for the 2012-2013 winter. Funding is available for households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; about $46,100 for a family of four.
Recent census studies indicate 34 percent of Seneca County residents qualify for some form of energy assistance.
For the 2012-2013 winter heating season, HEAP funding is free and available to qualified homes or rental properties at 200 percent or below the federal poverty guidelines. For a person living alone, that income limit is $22,340; for a two-person household, the limit is $30,260; for three people, $38,180; for four people, $46,100; for five people, $54,020; for six people, $61,940; for seven people, $69,860; and for eight people, $77,780.
For households with more than eight members, add $7,920 for each additional member.
HEAP funding may be utilized by residents to have service restored through the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's Winter Reconnect Order. This allows natural gas customers whose service is off for non-payment or those who have received disconnection notices to have service restored for $175 regardless of the amount owed. There are no income qualifications for utilizing the Winter Reconnect Order, which runs through April 15, 2013.
For more information, visit www.puco.ohio.gov or call (800) 686-7826.
