ACAP fuel assistance still available

    PRESQUE ISLE – James E. Baillargeon, Director of Energy and Housing Services for Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), announced today that funds are available for the 2007-08 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Over 5,158 applications have been taken in Aroostook County and are in various stages of being processed.  Currently, nearly $2.2 million in benefits have been issued to approximately 3,804 households since October 2007.  ACAP expects to process applications for approximately 6,400 households this heating season and will continue to schedule application intake appointments through April 30, 2008.
     “LIHEAP provides financial help to eligible low-income households to offset the high costs of home heating,” Baillargeon explained. “Eligible households are entitled to one LIHEAP benefit per heating season.  LIHEAP is not an emergency program and is not intended to cover a household’s entire heating costs.  The average benefit is approximately $585 and ranges from $85 to $875,” he noted.
    Baillargeon emphasized that, “ACAP made a commitment to provide early intake services to last years eligible applicants by mailing prescheduled appointment notices in July for intake at locations throughout the County.  However, other residents who wish information about the program or to schedule a LIHEAP appointment at an area intake site nearest them must call the ACAP Energy and Housing Services office.”
    Arrangements can also be made to visit homebound individuals.
    According to Baillargeon, all households must meet income and program guidelines to qualify for a LIHEAP benefit. Individuals who are homeowners, are renters who pay their heating costs directly or indirectly, live in subsidized housing and pay for heating costs directly, or live in a rooming or boarding situation may be eligible for a regular LIHEAP benefit.
     “All individuals who reside in subsidized housing with heat included in their rent and receive Food Stamps should apply for a special $5 LIHEAP benefit, if they have not applied since October 1, 2005, to help maintain their household Food Stamp allotment,”
    Baillargeon explained. That special LIHEAP eligibility benefit will remain in effect until September 30, 2010.
    A household is eligible for LIHEAP if the total household income is less than or equal to 150% of Maine’s LIHEAP Income Guidelines for the number of persons living there.  A household is also eligible for LIHEAP under the 170% Maine LIHEAP Income Guidelines if a member of that household qualifies in one of the following categories; children 24 months old or younger, adults 60 years of age or older, or with written confirmation from a physician that a person’s physical condition makes them vulnerable to the effects of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition in which prolonged low temperatures threaten survival.
    For additional information or to schedule an appointment at a nearby site call ACAP Energy and Housing Services LIHEAP program in Presque Isle at 768-3053 or toll-free at 1-800-585-3053.
    Aroostook County Action Program provides the people of Aroostook with services and programs in the areas of health, nutrition, child and family, energy and housing, and employment and training.