CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP): 2007-2008

WHAT IS CONN. ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP)?

CEAP is a federally funded program managed by Conn. Dept. of Social Services. Applications are taken and fuel deliveries ordered through local Community Action Agencies. CEAP provides financial assistance for payment of primary heat bill for households at or below 200% Federal Poverty Levels (FPL). Amount of assistance depends upon household income, and whether heat is included in rent. Assistance is paid for the client directly to the energy vendor, except in the case of renters whose heat is included in rent. This group receives a direct payment.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Connecticut homeowners with household income at or below 150% FPL
• Connecticut homeowners with household income from 151% to 200% FPL, where the household includes EITHER an adult age 60+, OR a person any age who is disabled
• Connecticut renters with income at or below 150% FPL, whose heat is included in rent AND who are paying at least 30% of their gross income for rent.
• Asset limit for homeowners: $10,000 in liquid assets (Liquid assets are assets that can be readily accessed, such as stocks, mutual funds, savings and checking accounts. Home equity, car values, life insurance policies are not considered liquid assets.) Asset limit for non-homeowners: $7,000 in liquid assets.
• EXCEPTION to asset limit: Assets can exceed the amounts listed above if the combination of income and the amount of liquid assets over the asset limit, when added together, do not exceed the income limit. (For example, if a homeowner with a family of 4 has assets of $15,000, $10,000 in assets is disregarded, and the remaining $5000 in assets is added to income. If his/her income is still under 150%FPL this household IS eligible.)

INCOME GUIDELINES

CEAP: ALL HOUSEHOLDS AT or UNDER 150% FPL (Federal Poverty Level),
HOUSEHOLDS WITH A MEMBER AGE 60+, OR ANY AGE DISABLED
BETWEEN 151 - 200% FPL

WHEN HOUSEHOLD HEAT IS INCLUDED IN RENT: Renter receives direct payment of $240-270 per heating season ONLY if they pay over 30% of their gross income for rent, AND only if the household income is at or below 150% FPL.

WHEN HOUSEHOLDS PAY FOR THEIR OWN HEAT: Primary heat vendor is paid Basic Benefit amount of $400-$675 per heating season. Amount varies by household income AND by whether it is considered to be a "vulnerable" household. Vulnerable households have a member who is age 60+ or who is disabled or who is under age 6, and have income at or below 150% FPL

• If paying for own heat and when primary heat source is gas or electric: Vendors are paid Basic Benefit amount. (See chart above.)
• If paying for own heat and when primary heat source is a deliverable fuel such as oil, propane, wood, coal, kerosene: Vendors can be paid Basic Benefit amount as above AND "Crisis Benefits" as follows:
  • Prioritized Service: Beginning November 1, households which are out or almost out of oil will have their applications flagged and eligibility will be determined within 24 hours. If eligible, up to $200 of deliverable fuel can be authorized. The authorized amount will be deducted from the Basic Benefit the household would receive.
  • Crisis Benefit: After Basic Benefit is exhausted, the household may be eligible for a one-time crisis benefit of up to $400 of deliverable fuel.. 
  • Safety Net: If a household has used up its Basic Benefit and its Crisis Benefit, the household will be interviewed by a case manager who will do a risk assessment determination. Income and assets will be looked at again, and the household could be required to use any liquid assets that were previously excluded under Basic Benefit eligibility, to purchase heating fuel. If the case manager determines that the household lacks the resources to pay for heating fuel, then the household will be helped to find shelter with adequate heat, or if no shelter is available, may be authorized for a Safety Net benefit. All households with income up to 200% FPL may receive up to $400 of deliverable fuel, and vulnerable households with income up to 150% FPL may receive a second Safety Net benefit of up to $400 of deliverable fuel. NOTE: The Safety Net Program could run out of money. If that happens, assistance will be prioritized for households with someone who has a disability, or is age 60+, or is under age 2

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE:
Call the Community Action Agency site taking CEAP applications from applicant's town of residence, and make appointment. Some sites accept walk-ins, but most are by appointment. Must re-apply EVERY YEAR! People on entitlement programs may get the application in the mail, but they have to present the application in person, by appointment, with supporting documents! Cannot apply by mail. People unable to go in person because they are disabled have the right to request that the CAA agency send someone to their home to take the application.

TIMETABLE:

• Nov. 1, 2007: First day for authorization of fuel deliveries, and first day for fuel deliveries that CEAP will pay for.
• March 14, 2008: Last day that a household can apply for Prioritized Service.
• March 17, 2008: Deadline for fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits, Crisis Benefits, or Safety Net.
• May 1, 2008: Last day household can apply to establish eligibility for Basic Benefits and Renter Benefits.
• May 15, 2008: Last day that a utility heated household with a shut off notice for its primary source of heat can apply to establish its eligibility for benefits.
• May 31, 2008: Last day to submit deliverable fuel bills.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

• Search by program name: CEAP/CHAP Energy Assistance Program

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SOURCE: 2007/2008 State Energy Plan, Conn. Dept. of Social Services http://www.ct.gov/staywarm
PREPARED BY: 211/fj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED:March2008