Even with Warm Weather, Fuel Assistance Available

Families and individuals should apply for home fuel assistance as soon as possible because cold weather will surely follow the current mild temperatures, says the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc.

Rather than find themselves unable to pay for home heating when freezing temperatures arrive, people should apply now for fuel assistance as soon as possible, says the GLCAC. People are urged to apply for fuel assistance, even if they think they may not qualify, because eligibility rules change annually.

GLCAC fuel assistance is available for qualifying residents of Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading and Reading.

First-time applicants should call (978) 681-4950 to speak to a GLCAC Fuel Assistance staff member. Returning applicants should complete and sign the application sent in the mail, along with documentation of the household income for the most recent, four consecutive weeks. The documents may include Social Security income, TAFDC, veterans benefits, workers compensation, self-employment, and alimony/child support. In addition, applicants should provide documents showing the cost of housing, the photo ID of the head of household, and heating bills.

Fuel Assistance staff will be available for walk-in appointments on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at GLCAC Inc., 305 Essex St., 2nd floor, Lawrence.

For more information, call (978) 681-4950. Fuel assistance is provided by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).