IMPORTANT! LIHEAP (low income heating assitance) Info

*Anyone" filing for help with heating bills through LIHEAP, get the forms and get in and stand in line before they open tomorrow on 11/1. The funds will go fast! Take ID, proof of income, utility bill, etc. Last year I stood in line outside for several hours since I didn't know to get there extra early. I was lucky the funds had not run out yet. This year the funding has been cut. Find out where the office is as LIHEAP provides the funding to key agencies that process the applications. Call 211 today to find out where to go tomorrow and try to verify the info they give you so you are certain where to go

This year the funds have been cut so it’s imperative you get there before they open since when the funds are gone, that’s pretty much it for LIHEAP.

From my local gas company. "Final 2011 appropriations have reduced LIHEAP funding by 20 percent to $4,500,652,656. Proposed cuts for 2012 will eliminate an additional 30 percent of the current funding for LIHEAP; which could affect more than 3 million households – or almost 9 million people". http://www.lacledegas.com/customer/assistance/heating/ There are links to contact congress on stopping the funding cuts.

I went in to HEAP here in Sacramento last week and got my bill payed off in full and now have a credit on my acct. It took forever to get thru and make an appt., but it was worth it.

As MoInSTL said..." Take ID, proof of income, utility bill, etc."

Every little bit helps in these tough times

Friends! A big holler out to you... some good advice from MoInSTL and Sammy!

Thanks MoInSTL and Sammy, this good sharing is what we're all about!!

If you want immediate assistance(in my case) wait until you get a disconnect notice...my timing was perfect as I got the 48 Hr. notice a day before the appt. The key here is that I got a verbal over the phone and pre-approval as long as I was telling the truth and brought in all the items(UI pay stubs, Disconnect notice, and Valid ID) as stated above.

It may be different from state to state or city to city, but this is how it works in SacTown. They payed my bill electronically on the spot. If you don't have a disconnect notice and just a bill, it could take up to 6 weeks to get the credit. Try to time it, like I did.....and make sure you get some sort of pre-approval over the phone before getting a disconnect notice.

Sammy, here in STL one has to apply for LIHEAP beforehand. I don't suggest waiting to apply for assistance until you have a disconnection notice as any further funds will not be available. Can't do it by phone here, only in person. I'm glad the timing worked out for you, but for help with heating bills later, folks need to check what steps to take in their city/state, as here it means getting there early and standing in line. The application process determines that if you do have a disconnect notice that you qualify to get it paid and funds later.

If you are a 99er, take along your recent food stamp award letter.

The same agency here that handles heating assistance also has limited funds for water bills. For that, you have to have a disconnect notice.

My suggestion is to check what is available as every little bit helps.

Good info, MoInSTL.....like I said, it varies from state to state........I called for what seemed like an eternity and finally my call was answered and got an appt. a week later in person......walked in, signed the sign up sheet..met with a rep., filled out some forms, provided my info., and was out in 20 minutes with my bill paid in full.

Here in Colorado Leap start 11/1 and you must fill out app to obtain Leap. I recevied the app in the mail from my human services office I mailed my in before 11/1. However I don't know how many will be receiving Leap here due to cut backs. Way to many cutbacks, no jobs, this is a bunch of CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!