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“THE EMERGENCY HEAP PROGRAM”

The Emergency HEAP-Winter Crisis Program (E-HEAP-WCP) will begin on November 1st through the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency (Community Action).  With the predictions for higher fuel costs this coming season, Community Action wants to get the word out about this important program available to assist eligible households.  The E-HEAP program can provide a one-time payment per heating season for regulated utilities or  towards the delivery of  wood, propane, fuel oil, or kerosene to households when: a customer’s gas or electric service has been disconnected; a customer has received a final disconnect notice; or the customer has less than a 10 day supply of bulk fuel.

            To help those who already have a critical energy situation, we will be having special walk- in days at the start of the program.  From November 1st-9th walk-in sessions will be held each day Monday-Friday. All walk-ins for E-HEAP services in Ashtabula County will be seen at the Job Source, in the Ashtabula Plaza, 2247 Lake Avenue. Ashtabula.  After the initial special schedule, the walk-in days and times (excluding holidays) are Monday and Friday mornings from 8:30am-11am, and Wednesday all day from 8:30-11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.  Walk-ins will not be able to sign in until the start of each session.  As many customers as is practical will be seen, in order to serve each customer efficiently that is generally about six per session.  Only customers who meet all of the eligibility requirements and have all of the required documentation will be seen.   All other customers will be asked to return on another day, and will be encouraged to call 1-866-223-1471 to schedule an appointment.    Walk-in’s will be accepted for those whose utilities are already shut-off, are scheduled to be shut-off within two (2) days, or those who have less than ten (10) days of bulk fuel left.  At all other times appointments will be necessary.

Appointments will be seen at the following location- Ashtabula Main Office, 3215 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula (the red brick building on the corner of 32^nd St and Lake Avenue by the railroad underpass).   

Community Action will again be using an automated system for scheduling their appointments and providing information about the program.  Customers should call the following toll-free number, 1-866-223-1471.  The system will allow individuals to call anytime during the day or night making it much more convenient to schedule their appointment.  When a customer calls, they should have their utility bills in front of them, and have a piece of paper and pencil ready to write down the information they are given.  During the call they will be able to schedule their appointment, hear the list of items necessary to bring to their appointment, hear the eligibility requirements, and most important receive a confirmation number.  The confirmation number is very important when communicating about their appointment.  Callers should listen to the entire message or they may miss important information.

            In addition to the conditions mentioned earlier, eligibility for the E-HEAP program is based on household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines.  For example, a family of two may have a combined annual income of $23,957, or a family of four may have a combined annual income of $36,137 and qualify for the program.  When an individual applies for E-HEAP assistance they are given the option to be enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) where applicable.  If this PIPP payment is made every month the customer will be able to maintain their utility service through the winter heating season.  The income eligibility for PIPP is 150% of the poverty level.  Should the customer decline the PIPP Plan or are ineligible, they must contact their utility company to be enrolled on some other payment plan.  The customer’s application will also be used to provide Regular or non-emergency HEAP benefits as well. 

A list of the necessary information required for the application interview is listed below and can be obtained through the automated number (even if they are not scheduling an appointment).                                             

If a utility service is on but in disconnect:

-                      copy of the current utility bill (all pages) from both the gas and electric company showing any disconnection notice;

-                      verification of income for every household member for the past 30 days, 90 days & 12 months (payroll/check stubs, OWF, social security award letter, retirement, unemployment, a signed note from relative or individual who has given you financial assistance with your expenses, etc.)  For example if your appointment is scheduled for November 3^rd, you will need all household income for the 90 days prior to and including November 3^rd.  Also, to request verification of Social Security Income/ Benefits you can go to the website www.socialsecurity.gov and request a copy (this will take at least 10 days).

-                      Photo I.D.;

-                      Social Security Cards and birth dates for all household members (We do not accept social security numbers written down on paper or copies of Social Security Cards.  We must see the original card or a legal document in order to verify the social security number);

-                      If renting, landlord’s name, address, phone number and monthly rent amount;

-                      Case number if receiving cash assistance from Job & Family Services

-                      Proof of disability if permanently and totally disabled

-                      Proof of co-payment if necessary

-                      Non- US citizens should call 2-1-1 to review required documentation/eligibility

If the service is off:

-                      You need all of the above items…plus…PRIOR to the appointment:

Contact the gas company to get a Pending Account Number, or the electric company to ask for a “Letter 29.”

-           Paid receipt showing payment for reconnect fee (if applicable)

If you use bulk fuel:

-                      You need all of the above…plus…you must have less than 10 day fuel supply

-                      Bring a receipt from bulk fuel company for last delivery and an account number

-                      Know the size of your tank and the percentage left in your tank

Remember, customers must bring all of the required items or their application may not be processed and they will have to reschedule.  If they need to hear the list again, they should call back and replay the information message.

Community Action operates the HEAP program in both Ashtabula and Lake Counties.  The toll-free number is effective for both programs.  Ashtabula residents must schedule for the Ashtabula County office and Lake County residents must schedule for the Painesville office.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please call toll-free 1-866-223-1471 or for more information, just dial 2-1-1.