Due to additional funds made available by the state, the Porter County Aging and Community Services’ staff is continuing to take appointments for Porter County individuals needing energy assistance.
“We had faced a bumpy financial start to this year’s energy assistance season and had been restricting appointments,” said PCACS Executive Director Bruce Lindner. “Now with an infusion of funds for the program, we expect to reach as many residents as last year when we were able to help 2,100 individuals.”
Lindner said the increase of funding will help even more community members as state officials have also adjusted the scale so the pool of money will go even further.
Energy Assistance is an income-eligible program as well as a program to help seniors and individuals with disabilities who are struggling to pay their energy bills. When participants qualify for a determined amount, the payment is electronically paid to the appropriate energy company.
Lindner said as the program is time-sensitive, the three volunteers and Energy Assistance coordinator Marilyn Lindner are facing a large volume of phone calls.
“We ask everyone to be patient when they call to ask questions and schedule appointments,” Bruce Lindner said.
“Call or stop in the office to get a list of what documents are necessary to complete the application process and then make sure you have all of them with you when you go to PCACS to make your application,” Marilyn Lindner added.
In order to apply for assistance, individuals will need a recent energy bill that is in the applicants’ name, but it does not have to be a disconnect notice. They will also need social security cards for everyone in the household and proof of income from all sources for household members over 18. If applicants are renting, they need to have a Landlord Affidavit completed. This form is available at the trustee offices in Portage, Chesterton and Hebron and at PCACS on its Web page, www.portercountyacs.org. Additional documents may be needed for some circumstances and the staff can identify these before the appointment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call PCACS at 464-9736.
PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those with disabilities and low-income residents by providing services to improve their quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy assistance and activity centers.