State residents can now apply online for water, heating help
Connecticut residents can now apply online for help covering the costs of heating and water utilities, Gov. Ned Lamont’s office said Friday.
The state has also extended the deadline to apply for the two programs, known as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, through the month of June.
Eligible households now have until June 30 to apply , extended from May 31, the governor’s office said.
“For years, we have offered assistance for these programs through only paper-based and in-person applications. Today marks a major step toward making it simpler and easier for residents to apply for heating and water assistance,” Lamont said in a statement. “I know that rising energy prices are hitting low-income families especially hard. This program is designed to provide relief.”
The program is available for Connecticut residents who qualify for SNAP benefits and other types of aid, or who fall at or below the income requirements. The income threshold is 60 percent of the state median income — $39,027 for an individual or $75,052 for a household of four.
“At the Connecticut Department of Social Services, we are on a journey to make it as simple and easy as possible for residents to apply for and renew their benefits,” DSS Commissioner Deidre Gifford said in a statement. “We are proud to launch this online application. I want to thank our teams within the Department of Social Services, the Department
of Administrative Services, and our partners, the Community Action Agencies, for all their work in launching this online application.”
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and provides winter heating help to more than 75,000 households every year, according to number’s provided by the governor’s office. LIHWAP gives families who are eligible for the energy assistance program up to $1,000 in water benefits.