Audubon Area Community Services is set to launch the application process for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) fall subsidy, commencing on November 6, 2023. This nationwide initiative aims to provide much-needed support to low-income households during the colder months, in order to help them to pay their utility bills on time, while they avoid the risk of their services to be discontinued.
LIHEAP, as highlighted by Audubon Area Community Services, offers a one-time financial benefit that varies from $34 to $274, depending on factors such as housing category, the type of fuel used for heating, and the household’s income level. This financial assistance is intended to alleviate the burden of home heating costs, whether it be for electricity, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.
How to Get Up to $274 in LIHEAP Funds
To start, you should consider that prior assistance received through LIHEAP will not affect an individual’s eligibility for the program. However, applicants must meet specific criteria, including income eligibility, which is set at up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To complete the application process, individuals will be required to submit various documents, including recent copies of utility bills (with account numbers and names for all heating fuel sources and electric), a recent payroll stub or alternative proof of current gross income, documentation verifying income from sources such as Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, pension funds, disability, and others. Additionally, if a household has received a final utility termination notice, this should be included.
Applicants must also provide proof of their current address, the total number of household members, and Social Security cards or numbers for all individuals residing in the household. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is also mandatory.
Could the LIHEAP Funds Run Out?
Importantly, these funds will be disbursed directly to the household’s chosen fuel vendor, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most. The application window will remain open on a first-come, first-serve basis until December 15, or until allocated funds have been fully utilized. For those residing in McLean County, the Audubon Area Community Services office can be found at 200 Highway 81N, Suite 101 in Calhoun. Should you have any inquiries or require further information, you can reach out to them at 270-273-3355.
If you can’t apply for LIHEAP, the Audubon Area Community Services’ Weatherization Program could be for you. It’s dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency in low-income households, ultimately reducing utility expenses for residents. Trained inspectors diligently assess and rectify air infiltration issues within homes, addressing heating and cooling inefficiencies.
The program encompasses various essential tasks, such as insulation installation, exterior sealing, ductwork repairs, and the replacement of heating equipment. Eligibility for this initiative extends to households situated in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, or Webster counties, with income restrictions in place. For further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local county office or contact (270) 686-1670.