What to know to receive heating help

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Local agencies say more people are asking for help with their heating bill this winter.

Since October, nearly 50,000 people have called the winter assistance program that helps people in and around Marion County.

“My heart goes out to them,” said Cheryl Shelton, Vice President of Programs at Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, the agency that screens applicants for federal heating aid. “It's very cold, it's very frustrating trying to go through the system but we try to help as much as we can.”

“A whole bunch of people need help this year. It's just rough out there for everybody,” said Gary Branham, whose family was applying for heating assistance.

Aid is still available, but agencies are mostly booked with appointments. 

To apply, call your local energy assistance program provider.

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Remember to bring the following items:

• Household verification: Name, date of birth, and social security card for all household members; driver’s license or photo ID card for all household members age 18 or older
• Utility verification: Copy of the current heating bill and electric bill in the name of a household member
• Housing verification: A copy of current lease (dated within the last 12 months). It must not be expired. Without a lease, bring a landlord affidavit completed and signed by the renter’s landlord. If the lease contains the name(s) of anyone not residing in the household, the client must obtain a new lease without the name(s) on it. All leasing agreements must be signed by both the landlord(s) and tenant(s). Leases with alterations are unacceptable.
• Income verification: All household members age 18 or older must submit proof of income for the past 12 months. If the individual did not work the entire year or has no income, a wage inquiry from the Department of Workforce Development should be completed along with a Zero Income Claimant Form (the printout must be less than 30 days old).

Lynn Engel, Executive Director of Connect-to-Help 211, said it’s important not to wait until it’s an emergency to apply for heating help. If you know it will be a problem, call your local heating provider and try to work out a plan.

“If you have not been approved for an energy assistance program, pay something on your bill so it won’t get disconnected. Keep the service on because once it gets disconnected, the costs are a lot more than just a bill,” said Engel.

Guidelines for eligibility for heating assistance:

Source: Community Action of Greater Indianapolis