Heating Assistance Program Taking Applications

South County Community Action Agency is now accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program [LiHEAP] to help local residents defray some of their upcoming winter heating costs.

“Last year, South County Community Action helped more than 3,000 families in Washington County with their heating bills, making it the single largest family support program we offer,” explained CEO Joseph DeSantis. “Paying for fuel to heat their homes poses a significant burden to our clients, and LiHEAP is a major factor in helping to relieve some of the financial pressure on local families.”

The LiHEAP program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides grants to reduce home heating costs for oil, natural gas, electric, propane, wood, kerosene and coal to income eligible families even if heat is included in the rent.

Grants are available for households that meet state income requirements; a family of three with annual income of $45,034 would be eligible. See chart above for more details.

Note: As of Oct. 21, LiHEAP has relocated to 415 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown. SCCAA will also continue to take applications for LiHEAP at the its Community Center, 34 Pond St., Westerly.

To qualify, applicants must provide:

• Income documentation for at least four weeks.

• Current electric bill

• Current heating bill

• Social Security Cards for all household members

• Birth Certificates for all household members under 18

• Photo ID for all adult household members

• If rental, copy of lease or rental agreement

• If homeowner, copy of mortgage or property tax bill

For more information on applying for LiHEAP, contact Judy Cashman, LiHEAP Director, at (401) 789-3016 ext. 2337.