Emergency HEAP Program ending March 31
Mar. 1—OHIO VALLEY — The Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency (GMCAA) announces it is continuing to assist customers with its main heating source and/or furnace repair through the Emergency HEAP Program and will be ending March 31.
According to a news release, to make an appointment call the IVR phone number (Interactive Voice Response System), which stills gives the customers access seven days a week/24 hours a day. The number is 1-740-444-4371, and please listen to the end of the recording.
"At the end you will be given a confirmation number," the news release stated. "You must have that for your appointment to be completed. You will have to have your social security number or client number and your gas and electric account number in order to make your appointment. Please note, an appointment may not extend a scheduled utility shut-off.
"Emergency HEAP provides assistance to households that have had utilities disconnected, face the threat of disconnection, or have 25 percent or less supply of bulk fuel, or less than 10 day supply of wood or coal. The program allows a one-time payment per heating season to restore or retain home heating. The potential dollar amount will be up to $175 for regulated utilities, up to $750 for unregulated utilities, up to $550 for wood, coal or pellets and up to $900 for propane/fuel oil, etc., and up to 8 cylinders of propane.
"The income guidelines for Regular HEAP and Emergency HEAP are the same. However, Regular HEAP requires the previous 12 months income while the past month income is acceptable for Emergency HEAP. The 12-month period or one month period for the help is determined from date of application making it possible for some with decreased income during these periods to qualify later in the program. Examples of these types of situations could occur from layoff, strike, retirement, disability or death of a spouse or household member and this year changes due to the COVID-19 virus. Documentation verifying all household income must be provided when applying for E-HEAP or Regular HEAP. Also a copy of the applicant's most recent gas/electric bill is required. It is also required that you provide social security cards, for ALL household members. You will also be asked for proof of landlord, including address and phone number. If the grandparents have custody of the children in the home, we will need the custody papers also."
According to GMCAA, the following income levels by household size should be used to determine eligibility. These income guidelines represent the 175 percent calculation and are revised annually. Allowable annual income for a one person household is $22,300; two person, $30,170; three person, $38,010; four person, $45,850; five person, $53,690; six person, $61,530; seven person, $69,370; eight person, $77,210. Households with more than eight members should add an additional $7,840 per member to the yearly income.
Both Emergency HEAP and Regular HEAP applications will be completed at the new main office, located at 1176 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, per phone contact.
All information needed for an appointment must be turned in before the day of the appointment.
Required Documents:
Proof of Gross Income for Everyone in the Household for the Past 3 months: Wages: Weekly — Last 4 paystubs/ Biweekly — last 2 paystubs; Utility Allowance/Lease; SS/SSI/SSD — Bank Statement or Current Award Letter; PERS/VA/SERS/PENSION — Copy of Current Award Letter; OWF/TANF/DA- Print Out of the Last 3 Months or Bank Statement; Child Support received or paid out, (documented proof for the last month).
Social Security Cards for Everyone in the Household.
Current Heating Bill or Statement (Columbia Gas/Knox, Propane, Fuel Oil, Coal, or Wood).
Current Electric Bill (AEP or Buckeye).
If you pay out of pocket for HEALTH INSURANCE, documented proof for 3 months: Aflac, AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.
Medicaid Card or Case Number (if applicable).
Landlords Name, Address, and Phone Number (if renting).
For appointment call 1-740-444-4371.
According to the news release from GMCAA:
Important changes for receiving assistance for winter E-HEAP:
1. We will not be having face to face interviews; all will be by telephone calls at your time of appointment.
2. We will have drop boxes for your convenience to drop off all documentations before the day of your appointment. these boxes are located at: 1139 Powell St., Middleport; 8010 State Route 7, Cheshire; 1176 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis.
3. We will have six walk-ins per day, however, upon entering the office, masks are required and only two clients can be in the office at one time while we are practicing social distance. we will accept your paper work and contact you before the end of the day.
We apologize for any inconvenience that the virus has caused. we are doing everything we can to make sure that you and our staff is protected.
Information provided by Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency.
