HARTFORD — Greater Hartford residents still have time to apply for federal energy assistance benefits.
The deadline for applying is May 1, although households heating with oil, kerosene or propane are encouraged to apply by March 15 to be able to access full benefits, if eligible.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy administration said applications for winter heating assistance is available at more than 130 sites throughout the state–despite reductions from sequestration in Washington.
“We anticipate having enough energy assistance funding available to serve all Connecticut families and individuals who are eligible for the program,” Malloy said.
Nearly 100,000 applications have been received so far this winter, with over 82,000 households approved for basic benefits of up to $575. Applications are running slightly above last year’s rate, and the number of eligible households is up by 3 percent, state officials said.
This year’s aid is again distributed through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for low-income families and individuals, and the Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) for households with higher incomes.
The state’s energy assistance plan anticipated that about 118,000 households will receive home-heating aid over the winter, compared to 100,000 served last winter. About $84 million in federal energy funding is expected to cover the cost for Connecticut.
Under the recently-enacted sequester, Connecticut is anticipating a loss of approximately $4 million in federal energy assistance funds, according to information received from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Basic benefits for CEAP range from $350 to $575 for homeowners and renters whose heat is not included in the rent; and up to $120 for tenants whose heat is included. Also, CEAP-eligible households using “deliverable” fuels – heating oil, kerosene and propane – may be eligible for a one-time crisis assistance benefit of up to $400. The CHAP basic benefit is $300, with potential for $100 in crisis benefits for households using deliverable fuels.
Applicants can sign up at one of several Community Action Agencies or partner sites around the state or can call the 2-1-1 Infoline for the location of the nearest local application site.
The state’s Community Action Agencies include:
- Community Action Committee of Danbury, Inc. (203) 748-5422
- New Opportunities, Inc. (Waterbury area) (203) 756-8151
- Bristol Community Organization, Inc. (860) 582-7490
- Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (860) 225-1084
- Community Renewal Team, Inc. (Hartford area) (860) 560-5800 or 1-800-798-3805; (Middletown area) (860) 347-4465, ext. 247
- ACCESS, Inc. (Willimantic area) (860) 450-7423; (Danielson area) (860) 774-0418
- Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (Norwich area) (860) 889-1365 ext. 9; (New London area) (860) 444-0006
- New Opportunity for Greater Meriden (203) 235-0278 (sponsored by New Opportunities, Inc.)
- Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc. (203) 387-7700
- TEAM, Inc. (Derby-Ansonia-Shelton area) (203) 736-5420
- Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. (203) 384-6904
- Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, Incorporated (Norwalk area) (203) 663-7347; (Stamford area) (203) 352-4846
In addition to calling 2-1-1, the public can also obtain information on eligibility requirements and benefits by visiting www.ct.gov/staywarm.
