Heating assistance available to help eligible seniors

        The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) through Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) can benefit seniors on a fixed income who need help with utility payments.
        EHEAP assists households that are facing a heating utility shut-off; have a utility disconnect; or utilize wood, kerosene, propane, corn pellets or other heating supplies and have less than 20% of their bulk fuel supply.
        The service is available for those who are at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines ($22,330/annual income for a one-person household; $30,170/annual income for a two-person household) and live in Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties.
        In addition to EHEAP, households may also apply for the regular, non-emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefit that provides a one-time heating utility payment to reduce household energy costs.
        New to this season and in response to the pandemic, all qualifying households will also receive an automatic second HEAP Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act benefit to supplement their heating needs.
        “Household utilities are a significant expense, especially for seniors who are on a limited income,” GLCAP Basic Needs Specialist Joyce McCauley-Benner said. “EHEAP and HEAP can assist those seniors who are struggling to make these payments.”
        GLCAP Energy Assistance staff can assist seniors and all income-qualifying households with applying for both their emergency and non-emergency winter heating needs.
        Scheduling and details on EHEAP assistance is available online at www.glcap.org/winterheating or by calling 567-432-5046.