Fuel Assistance Programs accepting applications
The Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) is now taking applications for the 2012-2013 winter season that runs through April 30th. Applicants who were on the program last year had the opportunity to apply by mail through October 10th. They now need to call to make an appointment for a face-to-face interview.
People who have not received FAP benefits in the past and are interested in Fuel Assistance must call for an appointment. Offices are open Monday through Friday in Manchester, Nashua and Peterborough, and offices in Milford and Hillsboro are open on scheduled days.
"We are urging people to come in now," said Louise Bergeron, energy director of Southern New Hampshire Services, which serves Hillsborough and Rockingham counties. "Don't wait until you are in the crisis. Don't put your family through that. Don't put yourself through that."
Payments made in the program officially begin on December 3rd; the program runs through April 30th, 2013.
Senior citizens and others who are homebound may call to arrange for a home visit. Fuel assistance benefits are a grant and do not have to be repaid.
Fuel Assistance benefits are not meant to pay for the entire winter heating bill but rather are there to help the client get through the winter. Benefits range from $150 to $1125 per season. The benefit amount is based on the household income and annual heating costs. Clients whose heat is included in the rent may have their benefit sent to the landlord as a rental payment on the client’s behalf if their rent is not subsidized.
Fuel Assistance Program
Gross Income Guidelines|
Household Size |
Monthly |
Annual* |
|
1 |
$1,836 |
$22,340 |
|
2 |
$2,487 |
$30,260 |
|
3 |
$3,138 |
$38,180 |
|
4 |
$3,789 |
$46,100 |
|
5 |
$4,440 |
$54,020 |
|
6 |
$5,091 |
$61,940 |
|
7 |
$5,742 |
$69,860 |
|
8 |
$6,276 |
$76,355 |
Income guidelines may increase in the spring.
Electrical Assistance Program
Electric Assistance applications are taken year round. The program provides qualifying PSNH and National Grid electric customers with discounts on their monthly bills. Renters, subsidized renters and homeowners who receive an electric bill may apply for the EAP. Eligibility is determined by total household income, the number of household members and funding available. The application can be taken at the same time as the Fuel Assistance Program application. There are currently openings in this program. Income guidelines for this program are different from those of the Fuel Assistance Program.Clients who qualify by income will be enrolled right away. There is no wait list at this time.
“People struggling to cover their energy costs have options,” said Bergeron. “There are a number of programs available that could help them. We encourage them to contact our office so we can see if help is available.”
Southern New Hampshire Services: Energy Assistance Offices
| Location | Address | Days Open | Times | Phone Numbers |
| Manchester | 160 Silver St. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 647-4470 or (800) 322-1073 |
| Nashua | 134 Allds St. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 889-3440 or (877) 211-0723 |
| Peterborough | 46 Concord St. (The River Center) | Monday through Friday | Call for times | (603) 924-2243 or (877) 757-7048 |
| Hillsboro | 63 West Main St. | Monday and Friday | Call for times | (603) 924-2243 or (877) 757-7048 |
| Milford | Library Annex | Tuesday and Thursday | Call for times | (603) 924-2243 or (877) 757-7048 |
Rockingham Community Action: Energy Assistance Offices
| Location | Address | Days Open | Times | Phone Numbers |
| Derry | 9 Crystal Ave. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 965-3029 or (855) 295-4105 |
| Portsmouth | 4 Cutts St. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 436-3896 or (800) 639-3896 |
| Raymond | 55 Prescott Rd. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 895-2303 or (800) 974-2303 |
| Salem | 287 Lawrence Rd. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 893-9172 or (800) 939-9172 |
| Seabrook | 683 Lafayette Rd. | Mon-Fri (Year Round) | 8:30am-4:30pm | (603) 474-3507 or (800) 979-3507 |
