OHC OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOR WINTER UTILITY BILLS

The Office of Human Concern will be accepting applications for the FY 2012 Regular Winter Home Energy Assistance Program, beginning Jan. 9, 2012. The Crisis Program (requires a shut off notice) begins Feb. 1, 2012. The main office in Rogers will be accepting applications for assistance from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday only (for crisis starting Feb. 1, please be signed in by 11:30 a.m.). No one will be seen on Mondays or after noon. There will be no exceptions.

For dates and times of outreach offices, see list below.

This program is designed to assist low-income people and families with the rising cost of energy. We will be assisting people in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties only.

Please be aware there are certain requirements for applying for this type of assistance. Applicants must supply written verification of all “Gross” incomes, VA, SSI and Social Security benefits, Weekly Unemployment Printout, Disability, Child Support Printouts and resources for the prior month at the time of application, on all household members. We suggest submitting copies of all information required, as originals will not be returned and copies will not be made.

If a household is claiming a $0 income, they should provide two collateral statements from non-relatives to further verify their situation in detail as to how their needs have been met during the past three months (forms for this are available at the office). Statements from people who have assisted the household must have approximate dates, actual amounts and types of assistance. Parties’ names, addresses and phone numbers must be on these forms. Collateral and Contribution statement forms are available with the application.

A household should not wait until the last minute to apply if they have a shutoff notice. Bring the application in no sooner than seven days prior to disconnection date after Feb. 1. Time is crucial. An application can not be processed without proper verifications.

Once an application is submitted, applicants are urged to be patient; applicants will be notified by mail if further information is required. Regular applicants will be notified within 30 days.

Program income limits include:

Household size/monthly countable income 1/$1,462 2/$1,911 3/$2,361 4/$2,811 5/$3,261 6/$3,710 7/$3,795 8/$3,879 9/$3,963 10/$4,048 Applications will be available for Pick-up only at local DHS offices for people under the age of 60 at Benton County: 900 S.E. 13th Court, Bentonville, AR (479) 273-9011.

Applications for people 60 years of age and older will be made available at local Senior Activity Centers, including Bentonville / Rogers: 3501 S.E. “L” St., Bentonville, AR (479) 273-7348.

Interviews will be conducted as needed by the Office of Human Concern. If an interview is required, the household will be notified by mail.

If further information regarding this program is required, feel free to contact the Energy Assistance Department at OHC - 636-7301or 877-777-6422.