Get help paying for bills this winter

FREMONT — The Great Lakes Community Action Partnership will again be offering heating assistance for those facing a utility shutoff or fuel shortage this winter. The partnership's Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program can assist residents of Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood counties who have received a gas or electric disconnect notice or have already had utilities disconnected. The program can also assist those who are facing a shortage of bulk fuel such as wood, propane or fuel oil or need new or transferred service with a utility company. Residents must also be at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. This would apply to one person making $22,540 or less per year or a household of four earning $46,375 annually. People can check with the office to determine specific eligibility criteria. Those interested must schedule an appointment with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership for assistance by calling 567-432-5046. Scheduling may also be conducted online at glcap.org/winterheating. Appointments will be conducted in person. Participants must wear a mask to their appointments, and only the primary applicant may attend. Applicants must provide a list of all household members, including Social Security numbers and birthdates; proof of citizenship for all household members; proof of income for all household members for the previous 30 days or 12 months; and copies of recent utility bills. Those who have less than 20% bulk fuel or whose utility services are already off should call Great Lakes Community Action Partnership's customer service team at 419-333-6054 to be scheduled an emergency phone intake. Emergency winter heating assistance through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program is available through March 31, 2022.