Community Action can still help with energy costs

[March 07, 2012]  Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois announced Monday that funds are still available for families who have not applied for energy assistance from Sept. 1, 2011, 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 $1,361, a two-person household up to $1,839, and a family of three can gross up to $2,316. An overdue bill or disconnect notice is not required. Assistance is available for households using natural gas, electric propane, fuel oil or wood. You do not have to own your own home to be eligible. Renters can also apply for assistance.

"Funds are still available," said Kim Lucas, LIHEAP assistant coordinator. "We are trying to reach those families that we have not been able to assist in the past. We hope that those who are struggling will call and inquire to see if they are eligible for any assistance through the program."

The program runs until May 31 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Interested individuals should call Community Action immediately to make an appointment. Interested individuals will be asked to bring the following to their appointment: Social Security cards for all members of the household, records of all earned income received during the 30 days prior to their appointment, and their last gas and electric bill.

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

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois is a not-for-profit agency that serves Logan, DeWitt, Mason, Menard and Piatt. In addition to LIHEAP, Community Action also provides the Foster Grandparent program, Head Start, Senior Transportation, Senior Meals, food pantry assistance, weatherization and more. Visit www.capcil.org for more information.

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