Starting next Monday, January 11, the Office of Human Concern will begin accepting applications for the Winter Home Energy Assistance Program for 2010. Applications for the Crisis Program will be accepted beginning January 25.

The OHC provided the following information concerning the application process.

The main office in Rogers will be accepting applications for regular assistance Tues. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 12 ONLY. No one will be seen on Mondays or after 12 p.m., NO EXCEPTIONS! For dates and times of outreach offices see below.

This program is designed to assist low-income persons and families with the rising cost of energy. OHC will be assisting persons in Benton, Carroll and Madison Counties only.

Please be aware there are certain requirements for applying for this type of assistance. Applicants must supply written verification of all “Gross” incomes, VA, SSI and Social Security benefits, Unemployment, Disability, Child Support payments and resources for the PRIOR MONTH at the time of application on all household members. We suggest submitting copies of allinformation required, as originals will not be returned and we do not make copies.

Items Required

If a household is claiming a zero income, they must provide a detailed written description of all financial obligations and how they have been met during the past two months. They should provide two collateral statements from nonrelatives to further verify their situation in DETAIL. Statements from persons who have assisted the household must have approximate dates, actual amounts and type of assistance. Parties’ names, addresses and phone numbers must also appear on these statements.Collateral forms are available with the application.

A household should not wait until the last minute to apply if they have a shut-off notice. Bring the application in no sooner than 7 days prior to disconnection date. Time is crucial. We cannot process an application without proper verifications, OHC advises.

Once an application is submitted, applicants are urged to be patient; the applicant will be notified by mail if further information is required. Regular applicants will be notifiedwithin 30 days, OHC advises.

Following is a copy of program income limits: Household size - 1 person, $1,354; 2 persons, $1,821; 3 persons, $2,289; 4 persons, $2,756; 5 persons, $3,224; 6 persons, $3,691; 7 persons, $4,159; 8 persons, $4,626; 9 persons, $5,094; 10 persons, $5,561.

For the convenience of persons in Benton County, the Office of Human Concern will accept LEAP applications starting January 25 at the Gravette United Methodist Church, Akron St. NE & 2nd Ave. NE, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesdays only.

Applications will be available for pick-up only at the local DHS office, 900 S.E. 13th Court, Bentonville, AR, (479) 273-9011, for persons under the age of 60.

Applications for persons 60 years of age and older will be made available at the local Senior Activity Center, 1870 Limekiln Rd., Gravette, AR, (479) 787-5950.

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 Department at OHC, (479) 636-7301 or 877-777-6422.

News, Pages 2 on 01/06/2010