The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded block grant offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program provides funds to individual states to assist low-income families with the high cost of home energy.
Income-eligible families are provided a one-time benefit to their heating and electric companies to offset the high cost of utility bills during the winter months. The amount of the energy assistance benefit awarded is based on household size and income, type of dwelling (home, apartment, mobile home, etc.), housing status (subsidized or non-subsidized housing), at-risk factors (elderly, disabled or children age 0-5) and fuel source (gas, electric, bulk fuel, or heating included in rent).
Eligibility
All members of the household must be United States citizens, U.S. Nationals or qualified aliens. Social Security numbers are required for all persons in the household age 1 or older.
Income eligibility for Energy Assistance benefits (heating, crisis and summer cooling) is limited to households with a combined annual income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Renters where heat and electric are included in rent will NOT be eligible for an energy assistance benefit.
Household Income is the gross earned income (and other unearned income) received by all household members age 18 and above. Based on household size, the household must earn less than the amount indicated below in order to be eligible for energy assistance benefits.
|
Household Size |
Monthly Income |
Annual Income |
|
1 |
$1,396.25 |
$16,755.00 |
|
2 |
$1,891.25 |
$22,695.00 |
|
3 |
$2,386.25 |
$28,635.00 |
|
4 |
$2,881.25 |
$34,575.00 |
|
5 |
$3,376.25 |
$40,515.00 |
|
6 |
$3,871.25 |
$46,455.00 |
|
7 |
$4,366.25 |
$52,395.00 |
|
8 |
$4,861.25 |
$58,335.00 |
To Schedule an Appointment
Beginning October 3, 2012, the John H. Boner Community Center will begin scheduling intake appointments for clients to apply for Energy Assistance. Appointments will begin November 5, 2012.
Call 317.808.2378 to schedule an intake appointment.
To Apply For Energy Assistance Benefits
Clients are expected to show on time for their scheduled appointment. If clients are unable to make their scheduled appointment time they should call 317.808.2378 at least 24 hours in advance of their appointment to cancel. If the Client is more than 10 minutes late to their appointment their seat will be given to a walk-in client.
Individuals will complete the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) application. An intake specialist will review the completed application, as well as, all supporting documentation to ensure completeness. If documentation is incomplete the application cannot be processed.
Benefit/Award Letters
Applications will be processed within 10 days of receiving all requirement documentation. Benefit letters can either be emailed or picked up at the Center. If the application is approved for benefits, the benefit letter will indicate the dollar benefit amount. If the application is denied, the applicant will be informed of their rights to appeal.
Required Documentation
In order to process an application the following MUST be provided for each household.
1. Household Verification
- Name, Date of Birth and Social Security card for all household members.
- Driver’s License or Photo Identification card for all household members age 18 or older.
2. Utility Verification
Copy of the current heating bill AND electric bill in the name of a household member.
3. Housing Verification
- Renters must provide either a copy of the current lease agreement (dated within the last 24 months) OR a landlord affidavit completed and signed by the renter’s landlord.
- If a current lease agreement is not available please print and have your landlord copy the landlord affidavit Appendix D – Landlord Affidavit
4. Income Verification
All household members age 18 or older must submit proof of income for the past 12 months. If the individual did not work the entire year OR has no income, a Wage Inquiry from the Department of Workforce Development should be completed along with a Zero Income Claimant Form.
Appendix R – Zero Income Claimant Form
The Income Documentation Form can assist in determining what documents must be provided. Income Documentation
