Emergency energy assistance available for seniors
Article published on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007 |
PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Human Services Department can provide emergency energy assistance of up to $400 to senior citizens unable to pay their power bills.
Funds from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco/Pinellas Inc. can help residents 60 and older in danger of having their power disconnected during the prime heating and cooling seasons when demand-and bills-are higher than normal.
Eligible seniors must have a crisis with a “statement of interruption” from the utility company to be considered for help. Past due or late fee bills may not be accepted. Residents also may qualify to receive a voucher for a blanket or a heater in the heating season or a fan in the cooling season. Applications are now being accepted for the heating season which continues through March 31.
Eligible seniors can receive help up to twice a year during each high-demand season. As much as $400 is available to keep power bills current. Human services staff members will screen those seeking assistance to determine if they meet income limits. The income limit is 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline. For a household of one, the limit is $14,700 a year. For two people, the income limit is $19,800.
Assistance is provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.
Prospective clients can either stop by a human services office or request a home visit. Human services offices are at 2189 Cleveland St., Suite 230, in Clearwater, and at 647 First Ave. N., in St. Petersburg.
Call Annie Shaw at 464-8400 in the Clearwater office, or Ann Eicher at 582-7781 in the St. Petersburg office.
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Article published on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007
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