BENTON COUNTY — The Office of Human Concern will be accepting applications for the 2011 Regular and Crisis Winter Home Energy Assistance Program, beginning on Jan. 11.

The main office in Rogers will be accepting applications for assistance from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The program is designed to assist low-income people and families in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties with the rising cost of energy. Certain requirements must be met to apply for the assistance. Applicants must, at the time of application, supply written verification for all household members, of all gross incomes, VA, SSI and Social Security benefits, weekly unemployment printouts, disability, child support printouts and resources for the prior month. Copies ofall required information are suggested because submitted documents will not be copied or returned.

Households claiming a zero income must provide a detailed written description of all financial obligations and how they have been met during the past three months and two collateral statements from non-relatives to further verify the situation in detail.

Crisis applications should be submitted no sooner than seven days prior to disconnect date, but as quickly as possible and with proper verifications.

Once regular applications are submitted applicants will be notified by mail if further information is required. Regular applicants will be notified within 30 days.

Program income limits are as follows: Household size, monthly countable income - 1 - $1,354; 2 - $1,821; 3 - $2,289; 4 - $2,756; 5 - $3,224; 6 - $3,691; 7 - $4,159; 8 - $4,626; 9 - $5,094; 10 - $5,561.

Applications are available for pickup only at local DHS offices for persons under the age of 60, including the Gravette United Methodist Church, located at Akron St. NE and 2nd Ave. NE, and at 900 S.E. 13th Court in Bentonville.

Applications for persons 60 years of age and older will be made available at local Senior Activity Centers. Listings follow:

Gravette: 1870 Limekiln Rd., Gravette, AR (479) 787-5950

Siloam Springs: 750 Heritage Court, Siloam Springs, AR (479) 524-5735

Interviews will be conducted as needed by the Office of Human Concern. If an interview is required, the household will be notified by mail.

If further information regarding this program is required, contact the Energy Assistance Project at OHC at (479) 636-7301 or 877-777-6422.

Community News, Pages 3 on 12/22/2010