Deadline approaches to get help to pay heating bills

Connecticut residents who need help paying their home heating bills for the 2016-17 winter season are reminded that there is still time to apply for assistance under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

The general deadline for applications is May 1, however eligible households that are subject to a shut-off notice by a utility for heating bills have an extended deadline of May 15.

Those seeking assistance under the program should call 2-1-1 or visit: www.ct.gov /stay warm for guidance about the program and application sites.

Home heating benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income (currently $33,881 for a single person and $65,155 for a household of four). A liquid asset eligibility check also applies. Payments are issued directly to fuel vendors and utility companies on behalf of eligible households.

The program is administered by the state Department of Social Services through nonprofit Community Action Agencies, which coordinate application and eligibility determination statewide. In southeastern Connecticut, the Thames Valley Council for Community Action handles applications. Norwich area residents can contact TVCCA at (860) 425-6681. New London area residents should call (860) 444-0006.

Nearly 90,000 applications for energy aid have been received so far, with more than 74,000 households approved for basic benefits of up to $590.

Funding comes from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. While Connecticut is expected to receive up to $80 million for the 2016-17 winter season, President Trump has proposed eliminating the program under his 2018 budget proposal, according to a news release from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office.

“The proposed gutting of vital energy assistance for low-income families, singles, older adults, and people with disabilities is one of the most disturbing parts of the president’s budget,” Malloy said. “My administration will do all that we can to work with our federal delegation to ensure that this and other damaging parts of the budget proposal do not come to pass.”