CHESHIRE — Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency’s Emergency HEAP Program will end on March 31, 2009, according to a release from Sandra Edwards, Emergency Services director.

Edwards said that the agency is accepting calls for appointments every day since the demand is decreasing, and advised that all appointments for all offices are made through the Cheshire Office.

The income guidelines for both programs are the same, she said. However, 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 income must be provided when applying for HEAP. Also, a copy of the applicant’s recent electric bill is required.

It is also suggested that applicants provide a birth certificate or other form of citizenship for the primary applicant. This can be passport, military service records, voters registration, etc.

The following income levels by household size should be used to determine eligibility. These income guidelines represent the 175 percent calculation and are revised annually. Allowable annual income for a 1 person household is $18,200, 2 persons $24,500, 3 persons $30,800, 4 persons $37,100, 5 persons $43,400, and 6 persons $49,700. Households with more than six members should add an additional $6,300 to the yearly income.

Both Emergency HEAP and Regular HEAP applications can be completed at the Gallia Community Action. HEAP Office, 859 Third Ave., Gallipolis; Central Office, 8010 Ohio 7 North, Cheshire; or the Meigs Community Action HMG/HEAP Office at 122 N. Second St., Middleport.

Applications will be taken by appointment from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m. and from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

For those who are employed, the agency is offering evening appointments until 5:30 p.m. in some instances.

For more information contact 992-6629 (Meigs County) and 367-7341 (Gallia County) to schedule your appointment. The toll-free number for Regular HEAP inquiries is (800) 282-0880. For the hearing impaired with a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), (800) 686-1557.

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