Emergency HEAP begins Nov. 1, 2017

MEIGS & GALLIA COUNTIES, Ohio – As the weather will be turning colder, the Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency is looking forward to assisting customers with their main heating utility, as well as their furnace and heating repair. At this time of year it’s important to make sure your home is functioning as it should be, so that it effectively protects you from the elements. As well as making sure your heating system is working properly, look into replacement windows and doors if they’re letting in any drafts; this can make a big difference to the temperature of your home, and your heating bill.

Gallia Meigs C.A.A.s Emergency HEAP Program will begin Wednesday, November 1, 2017 and will continue through March 31, 2018, explained Debbie Cundiff, Community Services Manager. Cundiff said they are excited to introduce to their customers to the new automated system for making appointments. Instead of having to wait to call every Friday and having the phone lines being tied up, and eventually getting through only to find appointments are already filled up, the new system should relieve those issues. Cundiff said they now have an IVR System, (Interactive Voice Response System), which will give the customers access 7 days a week/24 hours a day for making their appointment by phoning in. The new number is toll free, 1-866-4091361.

“We are hoping that this will make it easier for our customers and also you won’t have the wait time of being told that all appointments are filled and you would have to call back next Friday. You will have to have your social security number or client number and your gas and electric account number in order to make your appointment,” Cundiff said, adding, “an appointment may not extend a scheduled utility shut-off.”

Emergency HEAP provides assistance to households that have had utilities disconnected, face the threat of disconnection, or have 25% or less supply of bulk fuel, or less than 10 day supply of wood or coal. The program allows a one-time payment per heating season to restore or retain home heating, something that many look online to visit now when considering improvements for their home. The potential dollar amount will be up to $175 for regulated utilities, up to $550 for unregulated utilities, up to $450 for wood, coal or pellets and up to $750 for propane/fuel oil, etc., and up to 8 cylinders of propane.

The income guidelines for Regular HEAP and Emergency HEAP are the same. However, Regular HEAP requires the previous 12 months income while the past three months income is acceptable for Emergency HEAP. The 12-month period or three-month period for the help is determined from date of application making it possible for some with decreased income during these periods to qualify later in the program. Examples of these types of situations could occur from layoff, strike, retirement, disability or death of a spouse or household member. Documentation verifying ALL household income must be provided when applying for HEAP. Child Support MUST be verified, for the last 3 months and up to 5 days from the appointment. Also a copy of the applicants most recent gas/electric bill is required. It is also required that applicants provide social security cards, for all household members. Applicants will also be asked for proof of landlord, including address and phone number. If the grandparents have custody of the children in the home, the agency will need the custody papers also.

The following income levels by household size should be used to determine eligibility. These income guidelines represent the 175% calculation and are revised annually. Allowable annual income for a 1 person household is $21,105.00, 2 persons $28,420.00, 3 persons $35,735.00, 4 persons $43,050.00, 5 persons $50,365.00, and 6 persons $57,680.00, 7 persons $64,995.00, 8 persons $72,310.00. Households with more than eight members should add an additional $1,828.00 per member to the yearly income.

Both Emergency HEAP and Regular HEAP applications will be completed at both (2) offices; Central Office, Gallia County at 8010 N. SR 7, Cheshire or the Meigs County Office at 1369 Powell Street, Middleport. Appointments will be made via the IVR System, appointment times will range from 9-10:30 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. They will see the first 12 walk-in at our Cheshire office and the first 3 walk-ins at our Middleport office Monday through Friday. However, the agency cannot assist with the Emergency HEAP application process until November 1, 2017.

Required Documents:

Proof of Gross Income for Everyone in the Household for the Past 3 months
Wages: Weekly – Last 13 paystubs/ Biweekly – last 7 paystubs
Utility Allowance/Lease
SS/SSI/SSD – Bank Statement or Current Award Letter
PERS/VA/SERS/PENSION -Copy of Current Award Letter
College Student- Financial Aid Documents (Refund Page)
OWF/TANF/DA- Print Out of the Last 3 Months or Bank Statement
Child Support, Ordered to Pay or Receive
Print Out (documented proof for the last 3 months, verification of whether receiving or not)
Social Security Cards for Everyone in the HouseholdCurrent Heating Bill or Statement (Columbia Gas/Knox, Propane, Fuel Oil, Coal, or Wood)
Current Electric Bill (AEP or Buckeye)
If you pay out ofpocket for HEALTH INSURANCE, documented proof for 3 months o Aflac, AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.
Medicaid Card or Case Number (if applicable)
Landlords Name, Address, and Phone Number (if renting)