Heating Assistance Offered By State
As the bitter cold continues, the Highland County Department of Social Services is offering assistance to low income residents needing immediate help to warm their homes.
The crisis assistance is funded by Virginia through the Low Income Housing Assistance Program, says Briana Hartman, a Social Services Benefits Program Specialist in Monterey.
The program, Hartman says, helps residents using oil, gas, electric or wood as their primary heating source. Those receiving the aid must meet monthly income levels and have depleted the fuel source that heats their home.
Since January, Hartman says she’s had a handful of residents apply for assistance but not all have met the program’s requirements.
Income levels are based on two factors: your income and the number of people residing in your home. For example, Hartman says, a one-person home income level is $ 1,822 per month before taxes, while a four-person home is $3,750 per month before taxes.
Other criteria that must be met by applicants is proof of the depletion of the primary fuel source. She adds that if you heat with wood and another source, such as gas, oil or electricity,z
the wood must be depleted as well.
In addition, applicants must also show they have received a service cutoff notice within the last 30 days.
Once eligibility is established, staff will contact local vendors to fulfill the fuel needs of residents receiving help. No money is allocated to recipients, Hartman adds.
Residents relying solely on electricity as their heat source will have a determined percentage covered by the emergency assistance. However, Hartman says, residents must cover the remaining balance due.
Once a resident has received fuel assistance through the program, all of fuel they receive must be depleted before applying for further assistance.
For swift determination of eligibility, Hartman suggests residents contact her directly at 540-468-2199 at extension 304.
This is Mike Folks with Allegheny Mountain Radio News