According to a press release from the South Shore Community Action Council, the Fuel Assistance Program is open for applications. Anyone who did not receive an application in the mail and feels that they may qualify is encouraged to apply.
Eligibility is based on gross income and household size. The maximum allowable income guidelines are: $33,126 for a family of one; $43,319 (two); $53,511 (three); $63,704 (four) and $73,897 (five).
New applicants may apply at the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, 20 Black Brook Road, Aquinnah; call 508-645-9265, ext. 130, Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm for an appointment. For clients of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, call 508-696-7563 to schedule an appointment. Senior citizens may also call their local Councils on Aging (COA) for appointments and to submit applications: Edgartown COA: 508-627-4368; Oak Bluffs COA: 508-693-4509, ext. 13; Tisbury COA: 508-696-4205; Up-Island COA: 508-693-2896.
New applicants must bring proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members over 18, picture identification, proof of citizenship (Social Security card, birth certificate, or valid U.S. passport) and proof of street address. Households who have used the same primary heat source for at least 12 months should bring copies of their heating bills for those months for a potentially higher fuel-assistance benefit level. For clients in an emergency situation who have a utility shutoff notice, or whose utilities are shut off, all income and other information must be brought to the office the day you apply to receive emergency assistance.
Heating-season benefit levels range from $420 to $900 for nonsubsidized residents and $295 to $630 for some subsidized housing residents. Eligibility for fuel assistance also provides 12 months of discounts on electric, natural gas, and Verizon telephone bills. Fuel assistance eligibility may also provide eligibility for free weatherization and heating system repair. Applications will be taken through April 30, 2016.
For further information, call SSCAC Fuel Assistance at 508-746-6707, toll-free 877-FUELAID, or visit the website sscac.org for a complete listing of volunteer sites and their contact information and hours for fuel assistance applications.
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