LIHEAP, a federally funded program, provides financial assistance to qualified low-income households, in order to help these impoverished families meet home heating and/or cooling needs.
Following the Jan. 31 intake, the Agency will only take emergency applications. Clients must meet certain requirements for emergency guidelines and the agency will try to help emergency clients as long as funds remain available. Following the January intake period, we will not process regular applications again until April 2011.
The significant cost of energy to heat or cool homes leaves many households in Bradley County unable to fully meet heating or cooling expenses which is vital to the health and safety of families. The LIHEAP home heating program has two main components: regular assistance and crisis funding.
The program is geared to help residents at, or below, 200 percent of the federal poverty level, pay home utility costs for which they are responsible — either by direct payment or as an undesignated portion of their rent.
Qualified households may receive a one-time per year payment. The fiscal year for this program runs from July to June. Qualified households who have not benefited from this program during this time period may qualify before June 30 and then receive additional assistance after the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Applicants must have a combined household income, for the calendar month prior to the month of application, not in excess of 200 percent of the federal poverty level as listed in the Income Eligibility Guidelines.
Applicants must bring the following information: most recent utility bill, or verification that utility expenses are included in rent; Social Security numbers; and proof of all household income from preceding month. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications will be taken at the Community Services office. Days, hours of operation, locations, and telephone numbers are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the BCCSA Office located on 155 6th St. SE.
Call 479-4111 for more information.
