Program can assist families dealing with high utility bills

Posted 7/30/20

Hot summer temperatures mean high utility bills. For those living on limited income this burden can be major.

Families have also been impacted by loss of income due to the pandemic. These …

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Program can assist families dealing with high utility bills

Posted

Hot summer temperatures mean high utility bills. For those living on limited income this burden can be major.

Families have also been impacted by loss of income due to the pandemic. These families may qualify for assistance through federal LIHEAP funding. Assistance may occur multiple months depending on eligibility.

The program targets elderly, disabled and the working poor.

Greater East Texas Community Action Program administers the program in Wood County and surrounding counties. Eligibility is based on household income, citizenship and circumstances.   

Individuals may apply by mail or online. The website is www.get-cap.org. A face to face interview is not required if the individual will provide a copy of the required information. Applications mailed  or done online are contacted by telephone and the case can often be completed without ever seeing the person face to face.

According to Teresa Land, program manager, “COVID-19 has caused financial stress in many homes. Households who have not qualified in the past now qualify.  We are making a special effort to reach people who have never applied.”      

Karen Swenson, executive director, explained “We want people to apply now before the high bills start arriving. Wait times for assistance will be longer as high bills start to arrive. Many households receive help multiple months which can help families through the hot part of the summer and into fall.“ 

For more information visit the website at www.get-cap.org or call  800-621-5746.  Certain days there may be a high call volume so multiple attempts may be needed.