How to Apply for Energy Assistance:

If you have received Energy Assistance before, an application will be automatically mailed to you.  If you have not applied before, an application may be picked up at your local Community Action Agency.  Community Services, Inc. serves five counties, including Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth. 

What is Energy Assistance?

During the months of October through March, Community Services, Inc. offers a one-time energy assistance with your primary heat source.  This program was designed to help with the increasing energy costs of heat during the winter months for low-income individuals and families.  To receive assistance, an application must be filled out and approved.  Your household will be approved for a certain benefit amount and a check will be mailed to the household's main heating supplier for that amount.  This will either become a credit on your current bill or help pay a balance on your account.  This may not be used to pay past due balances you have in a prior household or on a different bill.  Head of household only needs to apply.  Other members of the same household may not apply, because only a one-time heating assistance will be allowed per household.

**Other Energy Assistance Programs include:  Winter ECIP, Summer ECIP, and other emergency funds upon availability.  These programs are used when there is a crisis situation by means of a shut-off notice or termination of service.  Funding is based on a first-come-first-serve basis and is limited per household.  If you receive a shut-off notice or your service has been terminated, please contact your local county office as soon as possible.

What to mail in with your application:

1. Answer every question on both sides of the application. 

2. Include a copy of your last fuel bill for your main heat source.  If you have a disconnect or termination notice, include it also.  If the disconnect notice is for your secondary heating source, contact the Community Services office in your community to see if they have other funds available to assist you.

3. Provide copies of social security cards or other verification of social security numbers.

4. Provide proof of last month's income for every person living in your home.  Examples include pay stubs, grant letters, assistance award letters, social security award letters, bank statements, child support statement, self-employment records, etc.

5. If your household is on food stamps, all that will need to be mailed in is your application and a copy of your fuel bill.

6. Sign and date the application.

7. Mail the application, fuel bill and other documentation needed to the Community Services office in your county.  Addresses to these offices are located on our homepage.  www.communityservicesinc.org

8. Keep paying your heat bill as you normally would to avoid being shut off.  You will receive a letter stating the benefit amount you were eligible for that will be sent to the supplier of your main heat source.  If your company does not participate, a check will be mailed to you.  If you cut your own wood, you are not eligible to apply.

9. If you have any questions or need help in completing the application, please call the Community Services office in your county.  Those phone numbers are also located on our homepage.  www.communityservicesinc.org

How much could your household be eligible for:

Your eligibility amount depends on your household size, income level, and fuel type you use.

Benefit amounts range from $65-$292.

Eligibility rules:

* Each household member must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States or

2. Be an alien admitted for permanent residence

* Each household's resources may not exceed $3,000.

* Each household (head of household/spouse) must establish that they have an account in their name OR meet the definition of a renter or landlord applicant AND are incurring heating costs.