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OPERATION FUEL: 2008-2009
WHAT IS OPERATION FUEL?
Operation Fuel (www.operationfuel.org/) provides cash assistance for heating expenses for households with incomes from 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to 100% of the State Median Income guidelines who are in crisis. Local fuel banks assess client eligibility and make payments to vendors. This is a private program and towns sometimes opt not to participate.*
BENEFIT AMOUNT: Operation Fuel awards a grant for the Winter season up to $500. The grant is used for heating expenses only. Amount of assistance depends upon income level and is up to the discretion of the local fuel bank. Payments are made directly to fuel or utility vendors. NOTE: For elderly (age 65 or older) or for extreme emergencies, Operation Fuel may pay an additional benefit of up to $500.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Household income at or below 100% State Median Income
- Must apply for state energy assistance first, if income is below 60% State Median Income
- Must be below asset limit of $7,000 for renters or $10,000 for homeowners
- A household must be in a financial crisis situation: A "financial crisis" is considered to be a situation in which a family must choose between paying for their energy needs, buying food, paying the rent or mortgage, or paying medical bills as a result of unemployment, illness, death, or other emergencies.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE:
- Call your local Operation Fuel fuel bank and make an appointment for assessment.
* NOTE: If a town is not served by an Operation Fuel fuel bank, it is likely that they have other resources which take the place of Operation Fuel. In these cases individuals should call their town Social Service Dept.
TIMETABLE: Applications are accepted starting December 1, 2008.
CONTRIBUTING TO OPERATION FUEL:
Operation Fuel is funded by direct private donations, state dollars, and the Add-a-Dollar program through gas and electric utility companies. Through the Add-a-Dollar program, utility customers can choose to add a dollar to their utility payments. All Add-a-Dollar contributions are matched by the utility company, effectively doubling the customers' contributions for Operation Fuel.
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
• Search by program name: Operation Fuel
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SOURCE: Operation Fuel fact sheets; Operation Fuel website
PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: March2008
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