What is the Energy Assistance Program?The Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded block grant that is administered by the State Office of Family and Children to assist low income families with the high cost of home energy. Community Action Agencies are designated by the OFC as the local administering agencies for the Energy Assistance Program. How do I apply for EAP?Call your local ICAP office to set up an appointment. At interview time you will be asked to provide income verification for everyone in the household. You may also be asked to provide a rent receipt or lease agreement, a copy of utility bills, and social security numbers. How much may I receive?This year the amount of energy assistance that is received by each household is determined by a benefit matrix. This matrix takes into consideration such things as poverty level, whether a household is on a fixed income, if there are elderly or disabled household members, or if there are children under 6 yrs. old in the household. Other factors include type of dwelling, employment status, and type of heating fuel used. Using all of these variables, each applicant's benefit amount could vary widely. Who is eligible?Financial eligibility for EAP is limited to those households with a combined annual income at or below 150% of the current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) poverty guidelines. These households must also have an energy burden. Energy burden is the responsibility for paying for the costs of home energy, including home heating. When may I apply?ICAP begins accepting EAP applications for elderly, disabled, or those in crisis first (out of, or nearly out of fuel, utility disconnected or have a disconnect notice). Applications for the remainder of the household will be accepted following the crisis two-week period. The EAP program ends when funding is depleted. A Cooling Assistance program will operate from the beginning of June to the end of September.
Mail-in applications for the elderly and disabled Additional informationWhile EAP can help low-income families with a portion of their heating costs, funding is not available to pay entire heating costs for families. Each household is responsible for their own energy costs and should continue to pay as much as possible throughout the heating season.
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ICAP, Inc.
615 St. Rd. 38 W P.O. Box 449 New Castle, IN 47362 (765) 529-4403 (317) 462-1477 FAX (765) 593-2510 icap@icapcaa.org |
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