CHESHIRE — Gallia Meigs C.A.A.’s Emergency HEAP Program will begin on Nov. 1 and continue through March 31, 2013, Sandra Edwards, Emergency Services Division Director, announced today.

She said that while the weather has turned colder and the agency is anxious to assist customers, the first day the CCA will be taking calls for appointments is Friday, Oct. 26, at 8 a..m. She said residents seeking assistance may either call or walk in to book an appointment, but cautioned that “an appointment may not extend a scheduled utility shut-off.”

Edwards explained that Emergency HEAP provides assistance to households that have had utilities disconnected, face the threat of disconnection or have 10 days or less supply of bulk fuel. The program allows a one-time payment of up to $175 per heating season to restore or retain home heating services for AEP and Columbia Gas and up to $450 for BREC and Knox Energy. For propane and fuel oil clients, the payment may cover up to 200 gallons for propane/bottled gas or fuel oil, not to exceed $750. Clients heating with wood or coal will be assisted up to $350 also. Homeowners or renters may qualify if their total household income is at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

The income guidelines for both programs are the same, Edwards said. However, she explained that Regular HEAP requires the previous 12 months income while the past three months income is acceptable for Emergency HEAP. The 12-month period or three-month period for the test is determined from date of application making it possible for some with decreased income during these periods to qualify later in the program. Examples of these type situations could occur from layoff, strike, retirement, disability or death of a spouse or household member.

Documentation verifying all household income must be provided when applying for HEAP. Also a copy of the applicant’s recent electric bill is required. It is also required that you provide a birth certificate for the primary applicant, social security cards for ALL household members and proof of Student ID or Report Card if over 18 and living in your household. You will also be asked for proof of home ownership or proof of landlord, including address and phone number.

The following income levels by household size should be used to determine eligibility. These income guidelines represent the 200% calculation and are revised annually. Allowable annual income for a 1 person household is $22,340, 2 persons $30,260, 3 persons $38,180, 4 persons $46,100, 5 persons $54,020, and 6 persons $61,940. Households with more than six members should add an additional $7,920 to the yearly income.

Both Emergency HEAP and Regular HEAP applications can be completed at all three (3) offices; Gallia C.A.A. Office, 859 3rd Avenue, Gallipolis, Central Office, 8010 N. SR 7, Cheshire or the Meigs C.A.A. Office at 369 Powell Street, Middleport, Edwards said. Applications will be taken by appointment from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. and from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

However, she reminded that the agency cannot assist in the Emergency HEAP application process until Nov. 1.

For further information, Edwards said that residents may contact the Cheshire Office at 367-7341 or 992-6629.