Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
The Harlan County Community Action Agency is taking pre-applications for the subsidy component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Harlan County.
The program is open to households which are responsible for their home heating costs and are at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines.
“There has been a delay in the federal funding and clients must now sign a waiver stating that if funds are not awarded, they will not receive LIHEAP funds,” said CSBG/LIHEAP Director Tracey Ball. “No vouchers will be issued until if and when funds are awarded. Please contact CAA for more information.”
Ball said the program is set to close on Dec. 14 and pre-applications will be accepted until notification is received on the status of funds. Those wishing to pre-apply may do so on specific days according to the last name of the household. You may call CAA at 573-5331 to learn which day you are eligible to apply.
“We’re expecting a large increase in applicants this year with all the mine layoffs,” said Ball. “We are scheduled to receive the same amount of money allocated last year, but we expect the money to run out sooner by having more applicants. We’re asking everyone to please be patient when you come to make your application.”
Households with one member and a gross monthly income of $1,211 are eligible to apply. Households with two members and a gross family income of $1,640, three members and a gross monthly income of $2,069, four members and a gross monthly income of $2,498, five members and a gross monthly income of $2,927, six members and a gross monthly income of $3,356, seven members and a gross monthly income of $3,785 and eight members and a gross monthly income of $4,214 are also eligible for assistance.
New this year to the program, Ball said check stubs for the entire prior month must be presented when applying for LIHEAP funds.
“At the time of your application, you must bring your most recent heating bill or verification from your landlord that the heating expenses are included in your rent, proof of social security numbers or permanent resident card for all household members and proof of income for all household members for the previous month,” said Ball.
“We’re hoping for the same amount of funds we received last year with the economy being as it is. However, with so many without jobs, the funds will not last as long. The benefits should be the same as last year. Days you may apply have been posted at local post offices, businesses, vendors and utility offices or you may call the office. You can’t apply on unassigned days. You must follow the dates set. I think we’ll see people this year we haven’t seen in the past coming in for help.”
For more information, you may call Ball at 573-5331.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com
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