Fuel Assistance, Electric
Assistance, Neighbor Helping Neighbor, Senior
Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income guidelines for
Fuel Assistance?
Current income guidelines for fuel assistance
are outlined in the table below. Please note
that income limits are subject to change.
Income Guidelines for Fuel Assistance
(2011-2012)
Household Size
Income Limit Monthly
Income Limit Annual
1
$1,790
$21,780
2
$2,417
$29,420
3
$3,046
$37,060
4
$3,674
$44,700
5
$4,302
$52,340
6
$4,930
$59,980
7
$5,558
$67,620
8
$6,186
$75,260
9
$6,814
$82,900
10
$7,442
$90,540
How do I apply for Fuel and Electric
Assistance?
For Cheshire County, contact SCS at 352-7512, extensions
4224, 4122, 4121, or 4142.
For Sullivan County, contact SCS at 542-9528, extensions
4321 or 4311.
What can I expect when I call?
When you call the office, you may receive a voice
recording due to the high volume of appointments each
day (individuals are double-booked every 15 minutes for
appointments). The recording will ask you to leave the
following information:
your name, phone number, and mailing
address, so that an appointment card can be
mailed to you
the best days and times for appointments
whether or not you are a renter
If you request a return call, the staff will contact you
directly.
What do I need to bring with me to my
appointment?
The items you need to bring with you to your appointment
are listed on the
appointment sheet. Special circumstances may
require additional information.
When will I know if I am enrolled?
You will receive notification from the program either
way.
If you are enrolled in either the Fuel or Electric
Assistance Programs (or both), you will receive a letter
in the mail. Your heating dealer and/or electric
provider will receive notice as well.
If you are denied, you will still receive a letter, and
it will inform you as to why your application was
denied: over income, lacking certain documentation, etc.
If you are denied for being over income and then your
income changes (job loss, etc.), you are encouraged to
re-apply for the program.
Can you tell me if I am enrolled at my
appointment and how much the benefit will be?
We need to calculate the income and household utility
expenses and verify it in our system prior to notifying
applicants. We can tell you whether or not it appears
you are eligible, but we need to double-check dates,
amounts, etc.
If I receive a rent subsidy and my
heat is included in my rent, am I eligible?
Fuel Assistance is unavailable to individuals who
receive a rent subsidy with their heat included in their
rent.
Am I eligible if I rent a room from my
family?
The entire household can apply and all incomes will be
considered.
What do you consider an emergency?
An emergency is when there is less than a 1/8 of a tank
of fuel remaining or less than 20% remaining for propane
during the heating season.
Where can I go for additional information about Fuel
Assistance, energy saving tips, etc?
Southwestern Community Services, Inc.
352.7512 ext. 4124
