Apply for heating help starting Nov. 2

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October 28, 2009

Staff Reports

MOULTRIE — Georgia’s regular Energy Assistance Program will open on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, for homebound and frail elderly households.

Households with individuals who have life-threatening medical conditions and who are in danger of imminent cut off of their heating source may apply. The program provides financial assistance to low-income elderly (age 65 and above) households to help defray their home heating costs.

Households participating in the program must meet income criteria and be responsible for the cost of heating their homes. To be eligible, households must have an income equal to or less than the federal poverty guidelines: $21,458 for a one-person household; $28,061 for two persons; $34,663 for three persons; $41,266 for four persons; $47,868 for five persons; $54,471 for six persons; $55,709 for seven persons; $56,947 for eight; and for each additional person add $773.

Beginning on Nov. 2, interested individuals or those who look after the interest of elderly or homebound individuals should call Southwest Georgia Community Action Council’s Community Service Center at 616-3131, 616-3132, 616-3126 or 985-3610 to place their name on the list. Clients will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not necessary to go to the NSC, but it is necessary to call and get a name on the list for an appointment time for an application to be completed.

Applicants should have proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This may be a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits. Applicants must also have the Social Security cards of all household members and their most recent utility or fuel bill. Households whose fuel costs are included in the rent are ineligible for assistance.

If funds are available, the program will open to the general public on Dec. 1, 2009. Eligible individuals should go to Southwest Georgia Community Action Council’s Community Service Center located at 109 11th St. S.W. in Moultrie.