LIHEAP funds still available through Community Action

[February 04, 2011]  Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois announced Thursday that funds are still available for families who have not applied for energy assistance from Sept. 1 to the present. Eligible participants will have a payment made directly to their utility company.

To be eligible, household income must be equal to or less than 150 percent of the poverty level. For example, a single-family household can qualify with gross monthly income of $1,354. A two-person household can qualify with up to $1,821 gross monthly income, and a family of three can gross up to $2,289 monthly. An overdue bill or disconnection notice is not required.

Assistance is available for households using natural gas, electric, propane, fuel oil or wood. Renters can qualify for assistance.

Kimberly Lucas, LIHEAP coordinator, said: "Funds are still available, and we are trying to reach families that are in need of help with the high costs of utilities. We are especially interested in finding those families that have never needed help in the past."

The program runs until May 31 or until funds are exhausted.

Interested individuals should contact Community Action immediately to make an appointment. Social Security cards for all family members, proof of gross income for previous 30 days, and the most recent gas and electric bill need to be brought to the appointment.

To schedule an appointment, contact your local Community Action office: Logan County, 217-732-2159; DeWitt County, 217-935-2455; Mason County, 309-543-6988; Menard County, 217-632-3137; or Piatt County, 217-762-2421. Arrangements can be made for those who cannot come to the office for an appointment.

Community Action is a private, nonprofit organization that serves low-income families and seniors in a six-county area with a variety of services. For more information, visit www.capcil.org.

[Text from file received from Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]