WESTMINSTER — Now that temperatures are often below freezing, heating one's home is an unavoidable necessity. Every year, thousands of Vermonters need help with their home heating costs, and many get some assistance through the state's Seasonal Fuel program.
But when that's not enough, the Southeastern Vermont Community Action Crisis Fuel program can be a lifeline for low-income households facing a heating emergency, and that lifeline is now available to those who qualify.
“If you're facing a heating or utility crisis, don't wait until you're out of fuel completely,” Pat Burke, Director of the program's Family Services Program, said in a news release. “There are options to help people, but it could take a few days, and we don't want them to be stuck with no heat at all.”
The program can also arrange an emergency furnace repair or replacement for homeowners whose furnaces stop working or become unsafe to operate.
To be eligible for Crisis Fuel assistance, households must have had extenuating circumstances that led to the heating emergency and income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, which is based on household size; for example $4,050 per month (gross) for a family of four.
Three years ago, the state ruled that income-eligible households must apply for and receive Seasonal Fuel assistance before they can be considered for Crisis Fuel. Income eligibility is tighter for Seasonal Fuel - limits are set at 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level instead of 200 percent - so households at between 185 and 200 percent of that level are eligible for Crisis Fuel without having to apply for Seasonal Fuel assistance.
Burke urges qualified households to apply as soon as possible for the Seasonal Fuel program, so that there are no issues around their eligibility for Crisis Fuel, should they need it.
Generally, only one Crisis Fuel assist is provided per household receiving Seasonal Fuel assistance (two for those who aren't), per year. However, for the past several winters, the state has had to find extra money for a “Special Warmth Fund” because there were too many people at risk of being without heat due to these limits, even during last year's relatively mild winter.
Crisis Fuel Assistance will be available through April. For more information, call Southeastern Vermont Community Action Crisis Fuel program toll-free at 800-464-9951 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicants in northern Windham County may also call that number to schedule an appointment.
Brattleboro area applicants should call 802-254-2795; Springfield area applicants, 802-885-6153; and White River Junction area applicants, 802-295-5215. Applicants must bring pay stubs or other proof of income, know how much fuel is left in their tank (if oil heat), and provide information about their fuel dealer.
To apply for Seasonal Fuel, visit www.mybenefits.vt.gov or call (800) 479-6151. This is also the number to call for Crisis Fuel Assistance on weekends and holidays, and for furnace repair or replacement assistance on weekends, holidays, or for after-hours emergencies.