LIHEAP funding available to needy

ELLSWORTH – Washington Hancock Community Agency administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for Washington and Hancock counties. Applications are taken in Ellsworth, Milbridge, Machias and Calais.

LIHEAP is now available to those at up to 200 percent of poverty level. This means that a couple making up to $7,000 gross income in a three-month period or $28,000 a year may qualify. A household of four making up to $10,600 gross income in a three-month period or $42,400 a year may qualify.

People at risk of hypothermia – those over 60 years of age or under 24 months or those with a medical condition verified by a doctor’s note – may qualify at up to 230 percent of poverty level. This means that a couple may make up to $8,050 gross income in a three-month period or $32,200 a year and a household of four may make up to $11,906 gross income in a three-month period or $47,626 a year.

There is no home ownership requirement to receive benefits and some renters qualify.

To find out if you qualify, contact WHCA in Hancock County at 664-2424 or in Washington County at 546-7544 or call 800-828-7544. The toll-free number is available only between 8 and 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.