UCHRA Grant Program For Energy Bill Assistance Increases Benefits

A UCHRA federal grant program for energy bills has received more money, meaning benefit amounts for applicants have increased.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps income eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. Community Services Manager Tashanna Hooks said the maximum amount for a household went up from $650 to $1,000.

“It’s very helpful and especially for people that live on fixed income,” Hooks said. “I mean if they get $800 that is going to pay their electric bill for three or four months, possibly even longer.”

Hooks said applications opened last week and are accepted until September of next year. Hooks said households that are within 60 percent of state median income can receive assistance.

“It’s based on points,” Hooks said. “The clients get points by their income, how old they are and if they have children under six and that determines the benefit amount. It’s a one-time payment a year.”

Hooks said each UCHRA office across the region have applications available. Hooks said a client can receive $600, $800 or $1,000 depending on the need.

“We just require driver’s license, social security cards for everybody in the household, a proof of income for everybody 18 and older and then, they just bring in their electric bill and a 12-month print out or whoever they want the benefit to go to,” Hooks said.

Hooks said the program can be used for electric, gas, propane, coal, oil, kerosene and wood.