INDIANAPOLIS (October 6, 2008) - Indiana has a record amount of funding for winter heating assistance and should be able to meet the winter fuel needs of low-income Hoosiers, despite recent increases in the costs of energy, Governor Mitch Daniels said today.
The governor said the state will have a record $106 million available through Indiana's share of the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). That's more than double the amount of funding that the state received for last winter's heating season. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) is accepting applications and appointments for the program through local community action agencies beginning today.
"We've never been more prepared to help Hoosiers, and we're starting earlier than ever because we expect it to be a difficult year for winter energy costs," said Daniels.
Last week, the federal government took action to increase the amount of funds provided to states to help families cope with rising energy costs, and Indiana's share more than doubled, to $103.7 million. In addition, the state has $2.5 million remaining in a contingency fund from last year.
The EAP funds help individuals and families with incomes up to 150 percent of the poverty level with winter heating bills. Daniels increased the level of eligibility from 125 percent of the poverty level to 150 percent of the poverty level three years ago.
For example, a family of four making less than $31,800 would qualify, as well as an individual with an income of $15,600 or less. The benefit amount is paid in a lump sum directly to the applicant's utility company.
Last winter, the state allocated nearly $71 million in federal heating assistance ($51.8 million basic grant, $13.1 million contingency and $6 million Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) to help more than 159,000 Hoosier households, an increase of 15,000 from the previous year. In winter 2003-04, 126,000 households were served, and the average assistance was $275 per household.
The average household benefit last winter was $320; that amount is expected to increase this year, depending on the number of people who apply for assistance.
Experts predict that energy costs could increase as much as 30 percent this winter, driven by higher prices for both oil and natural gas. However, the large increase in federal funds provided to Indiana should ensure that the state can help even more eligible families with their heating needs this winter.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which overseas EAP, has required community action agencies to utilize interactive voicemail software to handle large call volumes, to accept mail-in renewals beginning in July and to allow households to schedule appointments as well as take applications on a walk-in basis. Community Action Agencies meet individually with applicants in each of the 92 counties to determine eligibility.
"We encourage those who are concerned about paying their winter heating bills to call or visit their local Community Action Agency, or to call the Indiana Housing Authority's toll-free number for more information," said Sherry Seiwert, executive director of IHCDA. That number is 1-800-872-0371.
More information about the Energy Assistance Program may be found at this link: http://www.in.gov/ihcda/2523.htm.
Audio from today's availability may be found at this link:
http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Audio/100608_Media_Availability.MP3
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