TVCCA taking energy assistance applications

Program aims to help low-income households, but many are unaware they may qualify

New London — Anywhere from $560 to $2,680 — that’s how much residents can potentially bank on for help paying home energy bills this winter through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

“That’s quite a bit of help,” Christopher Sardo, energy director at Thames Valley Council for Community Action, said Tuesday.

Sardo added that 98 percent of fuel companies in New London County participate in CEAP, which helps residents no matter how their homes are heated.

But the money, which stems from $60 million-plus released to Connecticut through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program this winter, is only available to those who apply, and state and local agencies say they’ve seen fewer applicants compared to winters past.

Sardo said TVCCA has taken about 6,600 applications this year, down almost 7 percent from last winter. Statewide, about 52,000 households have applied for benefits, almost 5,000 fewer than last year, according to Edith Karsky, executive director of the Connecticut Association for Community Action.

Sardo and Karsky say not enough residents are aware of the program, which helps low-income households and those earning up to 60 percent of the state median income.

“It’s relatively generous,” Karsky said. “A lot of people think they don’t meet the ‘low-income’ standards, so they don’t come in and apply.”

A family of four earning up to $66,089 could be eligible for benefits, for instance, according to 2018 state median income guidelines. A family of two would be eligible if they earn less than $44,940.

“Obviously the lower the income, the more you’d be eligible (to receive in benefits) for heat during the winter,” said Sardo, who noted TVCCA has offices in New London and Norwich.

The agency has partnered with senior centers and town halls throughout the county that help administer

residents’ applications.

TVCCA is taking applications until May 1; households with a shutoff notice for a primary source of heat can apply by May 15.

“We’ve got a long way to go this winter,” Sardo said. “Whenever there’s a cold snap, believe me, the phones start ringing.”

So far this year, TVCCA has provided more than $1.2 million in heating assistance to New London County residents, according to TVCCA’s Megan Brown. Last year, the agency helped more than 8,400 households in the area.

Sardo noted that while TVCCA only authorizes fuel deliveries from Nov. 15 to March 15, those who apply in late March or April can still receive a benefit even if they’ve already paid their winter energy bills.

“We can repay (companies) and you’d get a credit with the company,” he said.

If ineligible for CEAP, residents can seek assistance through nonprofit Operation Fuel or the United Way’s Project Warm-Up.

Zach St. John, TVCCA energy manager, said filling out an application takes about 20 minutes. Those with difficulty squeezing in an appointment during their weekly work schedule should call TVCCA to arrange an evening or weekend appointment. Elderly homebound clients can start the application process over the phone and send paperwork through the mail, St. John said.

Applicants must provide date of birth and Social Security numbers for all household members; pay stubs and other proof of income or unemployment benefits over the last month; most recent bank statements; proof of rent, lease or mortgage; most recent utility bill; and the name of a vendor if the resident heats with a deliverable fuel.

In addition to fuel, CEAP benefits can go toward weatherization services, matching payment programs with utilities, and repairs or cleanings of heating systems.

Though Sardo noted with a laugh, “We’re not going to replace it just because it’s old.”