CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
INEZ — Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) announced that residents in need could apply for help with their electricity, water and sewer bill payments starting July 25. The organization will accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Summer Subsidy Programs until Sept. 22 or until funds are depleted, according to a recent press release.
Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with the potential benefit paid directly to the household’s vendor.
Households can apply for one or both programs; prior assistance does not impact eligibility.
To be considered, a household’s income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. This income limit is set at $1,823 per month for a single-member household. The limits for households with more members are two members – $2,465; three members – $3,108; four members – $3,750; and five members – $4,393.
Applicants whose utilities are included in their rent should provide a statement from their landlord confirming this arrangement.
Interested parties are required to visit their local BSACAP office in person to apply.
The necessary eligibility documents include Social Security cards for each household member, proof of income for the previous month for each household member, the most recent metered-utility bill, account number, and a copy of the lease if applicable.
BSACAP’s office in Martin County is located at the Collier Center in Inez.
Other local offices can be located using the coverage map provided on the organization’s website at https://bsacap.org/coverage-map/.
The LIHEAP and LIHWAP assistance programs are funded through the Community Services Block Grant, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The aim of these programs is to provide essential support to low-income households, ensuring that all residents have access to necessary utilities throughout the summer months.