Help with heat

It seems odd to be thinking about heat in the middle of spring. However, if you and your family need help paying for heat, you have to take action now.

Last month Gov. M. Jodi Rell issued a statement reminding the public about the "No Freeze" Policy that makes it illegal for low-income residents on payment plans to have their main source of heat shut off between November and April, including electricity.

"If a resident is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, they can not be refused gas and electric service because of a lack of payment from Nov. 1 through May 1," Rell said. "The law says that even if you cannot pay your whole gas or electric bill between these dates, a utility company cannot shut off your service if you make and keep a payment plan or if your household qualifies for Connecticut energy assistance programs."

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which provides assistance to low-income households, is now accepting applications. The last day a household can apply to establish its eligibility is May 1, unless the household has received a shutoff notice. In that case, the deadline is May 15.

Eligibility is based on household size, income and liquid assets. The maximum income for eligibility is 150 percent of the federal poverty level (for example, $31,800). If you don't qualify for CEAP, you might be eligible for other programs, such as the Contingency Heating Assistance Program, which covers households with incomes

up to 60 percent of the median state income (for example, $56,293 for a family of four). And, if you don't qualify for any state assistance, you might still be eligible for help from a charitable organization, like Operation Fuel, a statewide nonprofit group.

"We are one of the few programs in the state that pay for utilities that don't relate [directly] to heat," said Patricia Wrice, executive director. The organization shells out a maximum of $500 for heating assistance and $250 for non-heating assistance, like an electric bill. People must provide proof of income, their utility bill, and other documents to determine their eligibility for the one-time payment each year.

Heating assistance is only available throughout the winter months, but the organizations try to provide non-heating assistance year-round.

To reach utility companies directly:

Connecticut Light & Power: Call the CL&P Credit Center at 1(800)286-2828 or (860)947-2828. For more information visit: http://www.cl-p.com/Home/Community/AssistancePrograms.aspx

United Illuminating: Call the automated action line at 1(800)676-7052 to set up a payment plan.

Think you might need heat assistance? Here's what to do: For a complete rundown of eligibility requirements for energy assistance, visit www.ct.gov/staywarm or call the Department of Social Service winter heating aid hotline. To apply for assistance, visit your regional Community Action Agency.

If you don't qualify for state assistance, you may be eligible for help through a charitable group, like Operation Fuel. For more information, call (860) 243-2345 or toll-free at 1-800-354-7199.

AMANDA CUDA, KEILA TORRES