Westport Energy Assistance Applications Available For FY19-20

City of Westport: Human Services Director Elaine Daignault announces the opening of Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program application season. Westport residents whose household incomes meet state and federal eligibility requirements may obtain assistance with their home heating costs through one or more of the energy assistance programs administered by the Department of Human Services. Applications can be completed by appointment beginning October 2019 through May 2020.

Connecticut’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is designed to help low-income households pay their winter heating bills. All potentially eligible households are encouraged to apply. Residents, individuals, and families can qualify for CEAP based on their gross annual income and household size. To review guidelines and check eligibility, candidates are encouraged to go to https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security/Winter-Heating-Assistance/Energy-Assistance---Winter-Heating/Eligibility. A household with a gross annual income at or below 60% of the state median income, and liquid assets below $15K must provide all required documentation to determine eligibility.

Westport residents that are over income by CEAP guidelines may be considered for heating assistance from Westport’s Warm Up Fund. Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis after supplying the required documentation including proof of gross income, liquid assets and last year’s tax return. This program is possible thanks to the generosity of donors.

The Town of Westport is also an Operation Fuel bank. Residents facing a financial crisis can apply for emergency energy assistance but are required to utilize CEAP funds before seeking a grant from an Operation Fuel. Households must meet eligibility guidelines of gross income less than 75% of state median income and demonstrate inability to pay for deliverable fuel and/or outstanding utility bills because of unemployment, illness, death or similar emergent need.

Residents can find additional information on the town’s website. Those wishing to contribute to Westport’s Warm Up fund can do so at https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/human-services/donate-here and selecting the Westport Warm Up Fund button.

Questions about these and other means-tested state and federal programs can be directed to Westport Department of Human Services Finance Manager Susan Stefenson at 203-341-1050 or sstefenson@westportct.gov.