Community Action News
OCTOBER 2022
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BRACING FOR WINTER
As has been widely reported throughout mainstream media, we are collectively bracing for an extremely challenging home heating winter season with retail prices for energy at or near multi-year highs across the United States. WCAC's Home Heating Assistance program stands at the ready to help as many eligible households as possible secure the help they need. Many households are surprised to learn they are eligible for assistance. Eligibility is based on a households combined income. For the upcoming heating season for example, a household of four can be earning just over $80,000 and be eligible for some assistance. Please review the information contained within this month's enewsletter and share with anyone you know who might be in need of assistance.
We will continue our advocacy efforts with our elected state and federal officials to secure additional fuel assistance funding, while working to bolster new donations to WCAC's Emergency Fuel Fund through private, foundation and financial institutional giving.
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HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE IS HERE
For new/first time clients: An online application portal is now available. Access the online application and view the various documents required in order for your application to be certified here.
- Please be sure to include all members of your household on your application, including children. Your benefit is determined by the number of people who live in the household and your combined income. See chart to help determine your eligibility.
- For faster processing, online applicants should be prepared to upload supporting documents listed below from your phone, tablet or computer. It is strongly recommended to have them with you before you start the process.
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You may also mail, fax or email documents to WCAC after you submit the application. Please mail documents to us at 484 Main Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA 01608.
- Drop Box remains available at our 484 Main Street, Worcester office, on second floor of the Denholm Building. Free self-service copy services available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For returning clients/households who have received fuel assistance previously: recertification is required each year. Applications for recertification have been sent out via US mail. If you have not received yours or need to request replacement, please email us at LIHEAP@wcac.net
Please note, given the volume of applications we receive it can take quite some time for your application to be processed. Please be patient. You can check the status of your application through our 24/7 automated phone system by calling 508.796.2423 and follow the voice prompts.
Communities served by WCAC's Home Heating Assistance Program: Worcester, Auburn, Brookfield, Boylston, Charlton, Charlton City, Charlton Depot, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Holden, Jefferson, Leicester, Cherry Valley, Rochdale, Millbury, North Brookfield, Oakham, Oxford, North Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Fiskdale, Sutton, Manchaug, Warren, West Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield.
If your community is not listed, please click this link to contact an alternate agency for help.
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WAYS TO SAVE
Beyond applying for home heating assistance, there are several steps you can take to help save money as it relates to keeping your home warm.
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Income eligible households often qualify for a Discounted Rate -doing so can save you upwards of 25% on monthly bills all year.
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Contact your utility to Enroll in a Payment Plan - can protect you against shutoff for up to 12 months with most utilities.
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Tenants and homeowners can get an Energy Audit which can identify potential no-cost upgrades such as insulation, heating system repair and/or inefficient appliance replacement—including Refrigerators, freezers, washers and more!
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Use a programable thermostat which allows for moderate heat settings and adjustments based on when heat is needed most based on household activity.
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MORATORIUM SHUTOFF
From November 15 to March 15 there is a moratorium in place that prevents the shutting off of your gas or electric for non-payment if you are receiving the discount rates from the publicly-held utilities. But know that you will still owe payment for your bills. To avoid falling into debt, enroll in a budget installment plan with your utility.
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Please consider a donation to WCAC to support our efforts to support our community. Gifts can be directed to either our Resiliency Fund or Emergency Fuel Fund allowing us to swiftly respond to our community's needs.
Donations can now be made via Venmo, PayPal or credit card.
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www.WCAC.net Info@WCAC.net |
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