EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are about to get disconnected for those that are income eligible. However, an EAP benefit will not cover all of your annual heating and electrics costs, so you should continue to pay your bills regularly. This assistance cannot be used for deposits or reconnection fees.

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm ET

ELIGIBILITY:

 * Living in Cass, Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash Counties

   * Meets income guidelines: (To determine eligibility the most recent three months of income are used. )

 Guidelines

INTAKE PROCEDURE:

Apply for an energy assistance benefit for Program Year 2022 from September 13, 2021 until May 14, 2021.

Click here to complete the application on-line.

You may also print the application, or call to request an application be mailed to you. Completed applications should then be mailed or placed in the secure drop box at Area Five.

WHAT TO BRING:

• A completed and signed application.
• Proof of income for the past 3 months PRIOR TO THE DATE OF APPLICATION, for all household members age 18 and over except full time students. Social security income for minors must also be submitted.
• Proof of current enrollment in school (report card, student schedule, etc.) for students over 18 who have income.
• An Income Verification Affidavit for any household member age 18 and over who has had zero income for any of the designated three months.
• If any member of your household receives unemployment income, the Indiana DWD Release of Information Form must be completed.
• A copy of a state or federally issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport for the person signing the application.
• A valid social security number for all household members age 1 and over. This may be in the form of a Social Security Card, and Indiana-issued REAL ID, or US Passport.
• Note: if there are household members who do not have a valid social security number, the household may still be eligible for EAP benefits. Anyone in this situation should contact the local service provider.
• A copy of your most recent utility bills for both heat and electric. EAP benefits will be paid to utility vendors directly. New this year we are asking for water and waste water bills, as funds are available to assist.
• If you have utilities included in rent, you must provide a current lease or Landlord Affidavit signed by your landlord. Depending upon your specific situation, there may be other documents required. If you are unsure of the documentation you need, please contact your local service provider for clarification.

FEES: None

  Key Dates: 

•    Sept. 13, 2021: Applications begin to be accepted at local provider or online.
•    Nov. 1, 2021: The 2022 Energy Assistance Program benefits begin to transfer to utility providers.
•    Dec. 1, 2021: Start of Moratorium Protection. Clients with active service who have been approved for EAP are protected from disconnect until March 15, 2022.
•    March 15, 2022: End of Moratorium Protection.
•    May 16, 2022: End of EAP heating season. Last day for households to apply.

PHYSICAL LOCATION:

   Trolley stop: Blue Line Corner of Taylor and Washington Streets

ACCESSIBILITY:

   Wheelchair accessible

   Public transportation available

Services in this Service Group/Program:

    Electric Service Payment Assistance

    Gas Service Payment Assistance

    Heating Fuel Payment Assistance