Energy Assistance Program
Application | Aplicación en español | Folleto
Proof of Income Requirement | prueba de requisito de ingresos
Income Guidelines | Energy Saving Tips | Energy Assistance Offices
Program Starts November 1st.
Beginning THIS SEASON utility bills have to be in a household member’s name.
The REAL Services’ Energy Assistance Program is a State funded program that assists low-income households with electric and heating expenses during the winter months. Households must be within 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify.
Persons applying for this program are interviewed to determine their eligibility. Benefits depend on household-size, income, and utility cost and fuel type. Persons interested in receiving help through Energy Assistance have to call their county office to set up an appointment for an interview.
Please do not come to any of the county offices without an appointment!
The following information is needed for ALL household members at the time of the interview. WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THESE:
- Social Security Numbers and dates of birth for all household members.
- Proof of income for ALL household members 18 years and older. This includes all of the following types of income: wages, odd jobs, self-employment income, Social Security, SSI, VA benefits and other pension, Workman’s Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, strike benefits, severance pay, TANF, alimony & child support, dividends & interest on savings accounts and CD’s, rental income, royalties, income from estates and trust funds, annuities, insurance benefits and gaming winnings of over $400.
- Electric and heating bills. If the bills are not in the applicant’s name a lease has to be provided and an explanation of the relationship between the account holder and the applicant. THIS IS THE LAST PROGRAM YEAR WHEN BILLS DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN A HOUSHOLD MEMBER’S NAME! Beginning with the 2011/2012 season bills have to be in a household member’s name!
- Copy of the lease if renting
When the application is approved the utility companies will be notified and a credit is given to that account or fuel will be delivered.
THIS IS A ONE TIME CREDIT, NOT A MONTHLY PAYMENT.
Energy Assistance cannot be used for deposit, reconnect or old bills.
REAL Services, Inc. administers the Energy Assistance Program in 5 counties, Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph. The offices are open 5 days a week.
In order to serve those better that are 60 and over or have a disability mail-in applications are available. To receive a mail-in application call our main office at 574-232-6501, or 1-800-225-3367 (for all counties). Home-visits can be arranged for blind applicants, or a representative for that applicant can make an appointment and come into any of our offices to fill out an application. This representative has to bring all required documentation as shown above.
The Energy Assistance Program reserves the right to request additional information as necessary!