The Office of Family Empowerment (OFE), in Hamilton County, Tennessee, has organized a drive-through event for distributing program applications, marking the commencement of the 2023-2024 fiscal year for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Rachel Howard, who serves as the director of the OFE, emphasized the significance of LIHEAP, stating, “LIHEAP is a valuable benefit for so many families in our community, helping to ease the burden of rising home energy costs and alleviating some of the strain on family budgets.” This program is a government-run initiative in the United States that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them cover the costs of heating and cooling their homes.
Be the first to apply for LIHEAP funds in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Hamilton County is going to hold an event a drive-thru application pick-up event on Monday, October 2, Tuesday October 3, and Wednesdays October 3, at 6098 Debra Road Chattanooga, Tn. 37411, from 8 a.m-4 p.m. This is your first chance to apply to get this essential funds to pay your energy bills on time.
After this particular event, all applications will be available throughout the year, at the main office, online and by mail. The upcoming LIHEAP program for the year 2024 spans from October 1st to September 30th. To be considered for assistance, residents must fall within the stipulated income brackets. These income limits vary depending on factors such as family size and location. It is crucial to check the specific guidelines applicable to your area to ascertain whether you meet the requirements.
Residents must be aware that they can only apply once a year for LIHEAP support. Therefore, it is imperative to mark your calendar and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that missing this window means you will have to wait until the next program year to apply, so timely action is essential.
The LIHEAP Requirements in Hamilton County
If you want to be eligible, be sure to comply to these prerequisites every applicant must fulfil. The specific documents required for your application include proof of Social Security numbers for all members of your household. This proof must be in the form of a Social Security Card or other official documentation from the Social Security Administration. Medicare cards or secondary documentation are not acceptable for this purpose.
Additionally, you must provide proof of citizenship for the applicant, which can be demonstrated through a state-issued ID, Birth Certificate, Passport, Military ID, Voter’s Registration Card, or proof of other Government Benefits. If you are claiming veteran status, kindly include a copy of the DD-214, VA ID, or other suitable documentation.
Moreover, you must furnish proof of income for all household members aged 18 or older, covering the past 30 days. Bank statements are not accepted as proof of income due to federal guidelines. If you are paid weekly, submit 4-5 check stubs; if paid bi-weekly, provide 2-3 stubs.
If you’re a Social Security and Disability (SSI) recipient, include all the related documents about your income from that program. Veterans should provide VA and Pension Award Letters indicating the gross amount for the current year, with year-end tax forms not being considered as acceptable documentation. If applicable, ensure you include documentation for child support, alimony, or unemployment income.