CAA will take applications for utility assistance

The St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency will begin accepting appointments to apply for utility assistance 8:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

You may call the central office at 337-828-5703 or -5705 to set up an appointment in the St Mary Parish area. No walk-ins will be accepted, and appointments will be on a first come, first saved basis.

The LIHEAP Utility Assistance Program helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills as well as increase their energy self-sufficiency. This program targets people with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs based on their income and family size.

Additional targets are low-income households that include the elderly, persons with disabilities, and young children.

Applicants must be responsible for the household energy bill and have an active account. Applicant may only receive one LIHEAP benefit each season: for heating Nov, 15-March 15, and cooling April 1: Sept. 30.

Information needed to apply:
• Driver’s license or picture ID of everyone 18 and over in household
• Social Security card for all members living in household.
• Recent copies of your utility bills (gas and electric bills only) one to six months
• Last four consecutive copies of check stubs for employed household members.
• Proof of unearned income (Social Security, unemployment Insurance, pension funds, disability, etc.)
• Proof of present address (cable, telephone, water, rent receipt, lease or deed, etc.)
• Disconnect notice (if you received a shut-off notice from your energy company)
• Rental/lease agreement
• Additional information may be required to determine your eligibility for energy assistance.

Income criteria
Number in household, gross income per month
1 $2,066
2 $2,702
3 $3,338
4 $3,973
5 $4,609