News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will continue to grant energy-assistance funding throughout June.
Community Services Manager TaShana Hooks said the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a one-time payment to eligible residents.
“It helps… because our payments range from $350 to $650,” Hooks said. “And with the high electric bills that really helps somebody that might have a disconnect notice.”
Hooks said the agency offers a point system to determine program eligibility.
“The clients can get points in different ways,” Hooks said. “They can get points if they are disabled, if they have children under the age of six, or if they have an elderly member in their household. And then other points are with how high their electric bills are, their energy burden.”
Hooks said LIHEAP serves approximately 65,000 people in the Upper Cumberland.
“Our bigger counties use it more. We are trying to reach rural areas that are smaller counties that may not know about us,” Hooks said. “We are actually doing an outreach event June 11 in Cravenstown and we are trying to send out letters to promote people to come in.”
Hooks said if individuals don’t apply now, the next opportunity to apply will be Oct. 1.
“They are trying to change our program year right now. We were July 1st to the end of June and they are trying to change it,” Hooks said. “So if anyone hasn’t applied from July 1st, 2018, if they applied from July 1st to December 18 and they haven’t reapplied at the first of the year, they are eligible for assistance.”
Individuals must submit income information, energy usage reports, and other documentation to apply. For more information on how to apply, contact your local UCHRA office.
