Trouble Paying Energy Bills? Apply for Assistance at Wheeling Township
There is help available to residents of Wheeling Township who are having difficulty affording home gas or electric bills. Applications are now being accepted for Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), both programs offered through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). LIHEAP is a federal assistance program that provides low income households with assistance to afford home energy costs, in an effort to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
DVP is a one-time grant that sends a payment directly to the resident's utility company that remains in place until it is fully used. The other program, PIPP, enrolls a qualifying household in a budget plan through their utility company. Recipients of this program receive a monthly grant toward the budget amount, on the condition that they pay their portion in full and on time, every month.
"We are always concerned for residents who may be experiencing financial hardships, particularly when it comes to their home energy bills," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "These LIHEAP programs will help people to keep their services in place throughout the cold winter season."
The Township processed 802 LIHEAP applications for 2018-2019, and has assisted with 4,898 applications since 2011.
Those interested in applying will need to schedule an appointment with the Wheeling Township General Assistance Department. Applicants are required to provide a variety of documentation, including a current photo ID and utility bill(s), Social Security cards for everyone living in the household, and all income sources covering the last 30 days.
Income guidelines for 2019-2020 LIHEAP applications are as follows:
Household Size Gross income for 30 days prior to application
One person $1,561
Two People $2,114
Three People $2,666
Four People $3,219
Five People $3,771
Six People $4,234
Additional documentation may be requested, including rental agreements and landlord contact information if applicants are renting, and/or all utilities are included in the rent. Qualified applicants are served on a first-come, first-served basis until May 29, 2020, or until funding is exhausted. Residents who meet the income criteria should call Wheeling Township General Assistance at 847-259-7730. For more information, visit wheelingtownship.com.