LISBON –Community Action Agency’s HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP) runs now through March 31, 2023. Appointments for the HEAP Winter Crisis, must be made by calling the automated phone service at (330) 892-8880. Scheduled appointments will be Monday -Thursday. Fridays will be same-day appointments only, from 8-11:15 a.m. for the duration of the program.

All appointments will be at the agency. Walk-in applicants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. We will stop taking walk-ins once the maximum number of daily appointments have been reached. We experience a high volume of applications during the beginning of the Winter Crisis Program. Seating is limited and the wait time to be seen can be longer than usual. CAA does not allow customers on the property between the hours of 8:30 p.m.-6 a.m. Plan accordingly. Customers that work during our normal business hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. can call 330-424-4013 to set up an after-hours appointment.

Assistance is provided once during the season to low income households that have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new electric service, have PIPP default, or heat with bulk fuel and have less than 25 percent of their capacity. The program can also assist with home heating fuel, propane, wood, coal, regulated utilities, and unregulated utilities.

Applicants will need to provide proof of income for the past 30 days for all members of the household who are 18 years or older, which includes wages, Social Security income (even if received on behalf of a minor), pensions, cash assistance, odd jobs, self-employment, utility assistance checks, etc. In some cases, documentation for sources of income that we do not count (such as child support, OWF, TANF, and assistance from non-household members) will be needed. Households with odd jobs, self-employment, and/or seasonal work (ex: bus drivers, teachers, landscaping, construction, etc.) must provide 12 months of income documentation. Households that have odd jobs and/or self-employment income must also provide their most recent IRS tax transcript or IRS form 1040 and all supporting schedules(must have proof that taxes were filed ex: form 9325). Household members claiming no income may be required to bring an IRS tax transcript or a verification of their non-filing status. You may contact the IRS at (800) 908-9946. The application also requires proof of citizenship (birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.) and Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members. A current gas and electric bill is needed, even if the utility is in someone else’s name. Those that heat with bulk fuel must know the size of their bulk fuel tank(s). For renters, the landlord’s name, street address, and phone number are required. Households receiving rental assistance must provide their most recent housing assistance agreement. If you do not provide all required documentation, your application will remain incomplete until sufficient documentation is provided.

Households with a member who is classified as permanently and totally disabled must provide proof of disability at the time of the interview. Acceptable documentation includes: Award/benefit letter, bank statement with deposit amount, copy of the check, printout from social security office, Medicare part D, most recent IRS form SSA 1099 box 3, or IRS Form 1040.

Making an appointment may not stop a pending disconnection. Appointment holds take up to three business days to go into effect. A no-show appointment may result in the utilities being shut off. The utility companies will only allow one disconnection-delaying appointment hold for the season. The hold for the pending disconnection cannot be extended.

Any household that declares there is no household income other than assistance from family or friends must provide a letter from the family member or friend that has been providing assistance. This letter must be signed and dated with the person providing the assistance’s name, address, and phone number and contain current assistance information (amount and frequency). If there are any loans from family or friends, you must provide the loan amount and the loan payment plan, and the loan must be notarized. For detailed guidelines, visit www.caaofcc.org.

If a household does not bring the required information to complete the application, they will be required to schedule another appointment or bring the information back during walk-in hours. Any information provided by customers will be retained and may be shared with the utility companies.

Applications for State HEAP can be completed through March 31st, 2023. Applications are available at post offices, libraries, and utility companies throughout Columbiana County. These applications must be mailed directly to the address listed on the application.

Additional information also can be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling toll-free at (800) 282-0880. Applications for PIPP reverifications and HEAP can be filled out online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. Applicants will need to set up an account to complete the online application. Applicants need to ensure required documents are available to upload during the application process. Those willing to enroll on the PIPP+ payment plan for the first time must apply in person.

Winter Crisis applications can be started but cannot be completed online. All Winter Crisis applicants must have a face-to-face interview with an adult household member, 18 years of age or older. Information: (330) 424-4013.

The agency will be closed today for Martin Luther King Jr day.