2019-2020 WINTER CRISIS PROGRAM

Effective November 1st, 2019 through March 31st, 2020

The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is a federally funded program designed to help eligible Ohioans meet the rising cost of heating bills during the winter months. Applicants must be at or below 175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. WCP provides assistance to households that are threatened with disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, transfer service; or in the case of bulk fuel customers, only have 10 days or less supply (25% or less of tank capacity). Although the WCP program only runs from November 1st, to March 31st, agencies have until April 15th to finish processing incomplete or pending applications. Winter Crisis funds can only be used once per household, per winter season.

Regulated gas and electric: The utility must be off or in disconnect. Households may receive up to $175 total. The $175 payment can be used to stop disconnect, transfer or restore services for both regulated utilities, or establish new service. This is a one-time benefit and both utilities must be taken care of at the time of application.

Non-regulated electric: The utility must be off or in disconnect. Households may receive up to $750, which can be used to stop disconnect, transfer service, restore service, or establish new service.

Bulk Fuel: Households may receive a delivery of bulk fuel if they have ten (10) days or less supply of fuel (25% or less tank capacity). Maximum delivery for coal or wood is $550. Maximum delivery for propane, fuel oil, or kerosene is $900.

Heating Unit Repair: WCP funds can be authorized to repair/replace the main heating source for homeowners provided the repair restores service. All repairs must be completed by OUR qualified, insured heating unit technician vendor. The company completing the repairs must certify that the heating system is safe and operable before payment can be made. Homeowners are not permitted to perform their own repairs. Up to $500 may be used for the heating unit repair.

Walk-in Criteria

In order to be assisted as a Walk-In for the Winter Crisis Program, one of the following must apply:

• The electric or natural gas has been shut off, or is scheduled for shut off within 48 hours, or

• The household has 10% or less fuel in their tank or less than a 2 day supply of wood.

To schedule an appointment please contact:

Community Action Committee of Pike County

941 Market St Piketon Oh, 45661

Phone (740) 289-4525

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE 2019-20 WINTER CRISIS PROGRAM:

Photo ID: for primary applicant.

Social Security Cards: and birth dates for all household members.

Electric Bill and Main Heat Bill: The applicant is required to bring in both bills with the account numbers to the appointment

Proof of co-pay: If the maximum benefit amount is not sufficient to restore or continue service, the customer must make a co-payment towards the bill and provide documentation that the co-pay was paid prior to receiving assistance.

Document of Responsibility: from landlord indicating the tenant is responsible for the utility bill when it is in the landlord’s name.

Proof of gross household income for the past 30 days for the following types of income:

• Social Security, SSI, SSDI (even when received by a child)

• Pensions or Retirements

• OWF/TANF

• Unemployment, Employment Disability, Worker’s Compensation

• Utility Reimbursements from your apartment complex

• Wages including salaries, tips, commissions, and bonuses

• Interest or IRA profits

• Divorce Settlements or Alimony

• Monetary assistance and child support will not be counted, however, you still need to bring those documents to show how your household is surviving.

Proof of gross household income for the past 12 months and documentation from the IRS (including IRS 1040 and Schedule 1, or a record of non-filing if you haven’t filed yet) for the following types of income:

• Self-Employment (including owning your business, babysitting, home party sales, and odd jobs)

• Seasonal Employment ( including construction, landscaping, and teachers not paid during the summer with a 12-month contract)

• If you are self-employed or have seasonal employment, please ask us prior to your appointment for an income verification form that will be required to be completed before your appointment.

New this year: households with no income/significantly low income may be required to bring in additional documentation on a case-by-case basis to show how they are surviving financially or to document that they are not surviving financially.

• Households claiming no income and no support from someone outside the house must provide an IRS Tax Transcript or a copy of a Verification of Non-Filing Status Transcript from the IRS (see instructions below). Also, a signed Self-Declaration Form (provided at the interview) must be completed explaining in detail how the customer is surviving and maintains their household. The intake worker is not permitted to fill this form out for you, please bring someone to help you if you are unable to write. When claiming no income, documentation of Food assistance and Medical Card will be required.

Households that were not required to file taxes can request a copy of a “verification of Non –Filing Status Transcript” from the IRS three ways:

1. By Phone: If customer filed a tax return: 1-800-908-9946. If the customer did not file a tax return: 1-800-829-1040

2. In Writing: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Return and Income Verification Services (RAIVS) team, PO Box 145500, Stop 2800F, Cincinnati OH 45250

3. Or on-line at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

PLEASE NOTE: Other documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis.