Tammy Saenz with Tri-County Opportunities Council says the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is paying for more than just gas and electric bills this season. It’s covering water and sewer bills now.
LIHEAP applications can be made starting Thursday. Appointments must be made by contacting Tri-County Opportunities Council at 1-800-323-5434. Despite the name, TCOC covers nine counties including LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam.
Saenz says listen carefully to the instructions when you make an appointment. After disqualification because a household’s income is too high, not having all the required documentation is the most common reason for denials. You must have proof of your household’s income for the 30 days previous to your application, Social Security cards for everyone in the home, and sometimes other documentation.
There’s more information at tcochelps.org.