Emergency Home Energy Assistance For The Elderly Program

Special to Seniors Today

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) assists low-in-come households, with at least one person age 60 and older, when the households are experiencing a home energy emergency.

A home energy emergency may result from a delinquent utility bill, lack of fuel or wood, or the receipt of a shut off notice. Payments are for home heating or cooling and other emergency energy-related costs during the year. Eligible households may receive multiple Crisis Benefits per program year, up to a maximum as set forth by DEO per household. Payments are made directly to the vendor or by a two-party check to the vendor and client for electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, kerosene, or wood.
Program beneficiaries may receive vouchers to purchase blankets, portable heaters, and fans. The program can also help pay for repairs to existing heating or cooling equipment or for re-connection fees. Additional funds with increased benefits may be issued by the President of the United States during seasonal emergencies.

To be eligible for assistance, households must have:

• A documented heating or
  cooling emergency,
• At least one individual age 60 or older in the home, and
• A household’s total gross income with 1-8 individuals incomes are calculated correctly and are at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income and for households with 9-or-more individuals, please refer to the Federal Poverty Guidelines Benefits Matrix.

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or call the Elder Helpline at 1.800.96.ELDER (1.800.963.5337) for more information on additional eligibility requirements. You can also contact the local Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly providers.