Applications for energy assistance for the 2012-2013 heating season are still being accepted by the Access Community Action Agency. Last day of delivery is fast approaching, ending March 15, and there are open schedules.

Program eligibility is determined by total household gross income and is available for all households heated by oil, kerosene, propane, wood, coal, electric, or natural gas, with the exception of motor homes and campers.

Residents of Windham and Tolland counties can contact Access in Willimantic at 860-450-7487 or in Danielson at 860-412-1600 to make an appointment to determine eligibility and to find out what documentation they will need to bring to their appointments. Appointments are currently available during the agency’s normal business hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Households that have received energy assistance in the past must reapply and bring in updated documentation to be eligible for the new heating season. Each applicant must bring in copies of their documentation. If there is missing documentation, the applicant will be rescheduled. Funding for this program is provided by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

The Energy Assistance program is designed to offset winter heating costs for low-income (below 60% of state median income) households in Windham and Tolland counties. Benefits are determined by total gross household income and liquid assets.

Utility-heated households (CL&P and YES Yankee Gas) are eligible to participate in the matching payment programs and are protected from utility shut-off from November 15 through April 15.

To apply for assistance, applicants must schedule an appointment and provide copies of the following documents for all household members.

- Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers.

- Gross income for 4 consecutive weeks immediately prior to your application (paystubs, self-employment worksheet, unemployment printout)

- SS, SSI, SSDI Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Rental Income (monthly)

- Pensions, VA, Bank Interest (CD, IRA)

- Child Support and/or Alimony documents

- Lease, rent receipt, mortgage statements or tax bill.

- CL&P and/or Yankee Gas bill(s) in adult household member’s name.

- Landlord’s name, address and phone.

- All pages from your recent bank accounts statements showing name and account numbers. Internet printed statements will only be accepted if they have been certified by the bank.

The Access Community Action Agency is designated by federal and state government as one of two anti-poverty agencies serving eastern Connecticut. Access provides services to meet the local need for food, emergency shelter, energy assistance, energy conservation, job and life skills training, youth transitional housing, youth mentoring, affordable housing for seniors and more for low-income families and individuals. For additional information about Access’ services, call (860) 450-7400 in the Willimantic area, (860) 412-1600 in the Danielson area, or visit www.accessagency.org.