CHESHIRE — Households that have had utilities disconnected, face the threat of disconnection or have 10 days or less supply of bulk fuel on hand may quality for assistance from the Emergency HEAP Program administered by the Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency.

Sandra Edwards, Emergency Services Director, advises that the C.A.A.’s Emergency HEAP Program which began on Nov. 1 will continue through March 31, 2013, She said that the agency will be taking calls for appointments each Friday at 8 a.m. or residents may walk-in to book an appointment.

“However,” Edwards cautioned, ” an appointment may not extend a scheduled utility shut-off.”

Walk-ins, she said, can only be assisted on a “as times allows” basis and “worked in around appointments”, because clients with appointments have priority.

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 HEAP programs are the same. However, Regular HEAP hinges upon 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 by the date of application making it possible for some with decreased income during these periods to qualify later in the program. Examples of possible situations include layoffs, strikes, retirement, disability or the 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 percent calculation and are revised annually. Allowable annual income for a one-person household is $22,340; two persons, $30,260; three persons, $38,180; four persons, $46,100; five persons, $54,020; and six 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 offices; Gallia C.A.A. Office, 859 Third Avenue, Gallipolis; Central Office, 8010 N. Ohio 7, Cheshire; or the Meigs C.A.A. Office at 369 Powell Street, Middleport. Applications will be taken by appointment from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

For further information, contact the Cheshire Office at 367-7341 or 992-6629.