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LIHEAP application period begins soon

The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp. will begin the 2016 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program on Thursday Oct. 1. That is the first day that appointments can be made for the program.
October and November are priority months reserved for those households that have either a member aged 60 and above or disabled. Appointments can be made by contacting the local C.E.F.S. County Outreach offices.  
Starting on Nov. 2, applications will also be accepted from households that at the time of application have a child under age 6; proof of age will be required.
Households that are disconnected from their utilities or are within seven days of being disconnected, or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank and are unable to secure a delivery on credit may also apply during November.
Assistance will become available to all other income-eligible households beginning Dec. 1.
LIHEAP provides one-time grants to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with winter energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.
Items needed at the time of application are: proof of all household income for the previous 30 days, including the day of application; Social Security cards for all members of the household; and current heating and electric bills. TANF households must also present their most recent medical cards.
Thirty-day income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP for the 2016 program by size of household are as follows:
• 1-$1,471
• 2-$1,991
• 3-$2,511
• 4-$3,031
• 5-$3,551    
For each additional member, add $520.
In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application, any special accommodations that are needed should be arranged by contacting the local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office. All offices will accommodate applicants who require special arrangements for their appointments; these include applicants who are limited English proficient, homebound, hearing impaired, or are otherwise disabled.
Appointments for LIHEAP can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Fayette County Outreach office at 517 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia, 283-2631, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp. is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.
 

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