CRT Media Advisory: Winter is Coming – Apply Now for CT Energy Assistance Program
Worried about how to heat your home this winter? CRT Can Help People Apply for this Free Program
Hartford — It was reported that nationally first-time unemployment claims topped 840,000 people last week. These difficulties and the financial impact that results may leave thousands of people in Connecticut wondering how they are going to pay their bills this winter, in particular, how will they be able to afford their home-heating expenses? Or, will they have to choose between paying the heating bill (like getting an oil delivery), or paying for groceries, or a medical expense, or fixing the car … But it doesn’t need to be this way!
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is available to both home owners and renters living in Connecticut to help them cover their home-heating expenses during the coming winter months. (Yes, winter is coming!)
CRT is encouraging everyone throughout the state of Connecticut to find out if they qualify for this FREE program; and to ensure that families are not stuck with a cold house this winter!
Who qualifies to receive help from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
There are income eligibility requirements to qualify for the CT Energy Assistance Program, and the Community Renewal Team can help you check to see if you are qualified.
In fact, the income eligibility requirements, per household, are quite generous – there is no harm in checking to see if you qualify, and there’s no shame in using this important service!
According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, decisions regarding eligibility are based on the number of people living in your household. Specifically, household size includes both homeowners and renters that pay separately for heat; AND renters whose heat is included in the rent, as long as more than 30% of gross income is paid towards rent. For example:
- For a single person, the income level is up to $37,645.
- For two people in the home, the income level is up to $49,228.
- For a household of 4 people, the income level is up to $72,394.
What types of home-heating options are covered by the CT Energy Assistance Program?
For those who qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, home-heating assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source, and this includes many different ways to heat your home. Heating sources include: oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, and even wood and wood pellets.
How do I apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program?
If you live in Central Connecticut (i.e., Hartford County or Middlesex County), the fastest way to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is to call CRT’s Energy Assistance Hotline @ 860-560-5800! This number is available 24-hours a day – if you leave a message, someone will get back to you!
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, ALL Applications can be taken over the phone – this is for the health and safety of both CRT’s staff, and for the individuals applying for Energy Assistance. The call center representatives speak both English and Spanish.
When does Energy Assistance begin in Connecticut?
This year, the first day for Fuel Deliveries is November 2, 2020. So, apply now to find out if you are qualified, and get enrolled in the program for this winter.
You can also visit CRT’s Energy Assistance Program page for more information.
Photo by Bobby Stevenson on Unsplash.
