The Contingency Heating Assistance program (CHAP) benefits thousands of homeowners and renters throughout the state. Winter heating assistance pays for such heating sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal and wood. Homeowners and renters may apply.
Households eligible for the winter heating program may also be eligible to receive weatherization assistance. This can help conserve energy and lower heating bills. Please check out the services explained on this webpage to see if you’re eligible for the Contingency Heating Assistance Program.
Basic Benefits for Households qualifying for Contingency Heating Assistance:
· $580 in winter heating assistance
The Contingency Heating Assistance Program is administered by the Department of Social Services and coordinated by regional Community Action Agencies, in cooperation with municipal and other non-profit human service agencies. Please call 2-1-1 Infoline to locate an intake site in your area.
Community Action Agencies List:
-The Community Action Committee of Danbury, Inc. (203) 748-5422
-New Opportunities, Inc. (Waterbury area) (203) 756-8151
-Bristol Community Organization, Inc. (860) 582-7490
-Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (860) 223-2288
-Community Renewal Team, Inc. (Hartford area) (860) 560-5800 or 1-800-798-3805; (Middletown area) (860) 347-4465 ext.223 or 224
-ACCESS, Inc. (Willimantic - Danielson area) (860) 450-7423
-Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (Norwich-New London area) (860) 425-6681
-New Opportunity for Greater Meriden (203) 235-0278 (sponsored by New Opportunities, Inc.)
-Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc. (203) 387-7700
-TEAM, Inc. (Derby-Ansonia-Shelton area) (203) 736-5420
-Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. (203) 384-6904
-Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, Incorporated (203) 899-2484
-CTE, Inc. (Stamford area) (203) 352-4846
HOUSEHOLD INCOME GUIDELINES
Contingency Heating Assistance Program
For households with higher incomes than would qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
|
Household Size – including homeowners and renters that pay separately for heat. At this level, renters are not eligible if heat is included in the rent. |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
Under
$30,485 |
Under
$39,865 |
Under
$49,245 |
Under
$58,625 |
Under
$68,005 |
Under
$77,385 |
Under
$79,144 |
Note: Any household in which all household members are participating in one or more of the following Department of Social Services programs are automatically considered income eligible for winter heating assistance benefits, but must meet all other eligibility requirements to receive benefits: Temporary Family Assistance, State Supplement to the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Refugee Cash Assistance Program, Food Stamps. Mixed-income households (those receiving income from both DSS and non-DSS sources) are considered income-eligible for winter heating assistance benefits if the combined household annual gross income, including DSS cash benefits, remains within income guidelines.
HOUSEHOLD ASSET GUIDELINES
There is also a liquid assets test (checking, savings, CD's, stocks, bonds, shares, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts if the accounts are in the name of a household member who is at least 59-and-one-half years old.) The purpose of the liquid assets test is to try to ensure that winter heating assistance dollars go to households most in need; that is, to people without the financial means to heat their home.
For homeowners, the first $10,000 in liquid assets, and for other households, the first $7,000 in liquid assets, is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
Clients must provide proof of income and assets for all household members who may reside with them, for the four weeks prior to the application date. If natural gas or electricity is the heating source, the client must provide a copy of that bill which must be in the applicant's name or a household member who is of majority status, or an emancipated minor.
Crisis Assistance Program
Basic Benefits for Households qualifying for Crisis Heating Assistance:
· A one-time benefit of up to $400 in winter heating assistance
Subject to the availability of funds, the state will implement a Crisis Assistance Program to address the heating needs of service recipient households who have exhausted their CEAP Basic Benefits and are unable to secure primary heat, causing a life-threatening situation. A one-time Crisis Assistance benefit of up to $400 is available to deliverable fuel heated households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and to elderly and/or disabled households with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines that meet the criteria. A one-time Crisis Assistance benefit of $400 is available to CHAP households with incomes up to 60% of the State Median Income.
Crisis is defined in all cases as being unable to secure primary heat, causing a life-threatening situation during the program delivery period--defined as being without or within one week of being without primary heating fuel, such as having an oil or kerosene supply below either 70 gallons or one-quarter tank.
"Safety Net" Assistance benefits are not available for CHAP households.
