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QUESTION: Where can I go for help?
ANSWER: You need to call the fuel
bank in your town to set up an appointment.
QUESTION: What if I live in a town that is not covered? Where can
I apply for funding?
ANSWER: Sometimes Operation Fuel is able to get a fuel bank
nearby to provide the assistance. It isn’t always guaranteed.
Please call our office at 1-800-354-7199 and we will negotiate
on your behalf.
QUESTION: Can a town fuel bank help residents outside their town?
ANSWER: Most town fuel banks serve only their town residents.
Towns that are not covered in the fuel bank network are invited
to join our network at any time.
QUESTION: Why aren’t all towns in Connecticut
covered by Operation Fuel?
ANSWER: Sometimes towns have their own funding sources for
helping people in need of energy assistance. They may choose not
to join the Operation Fuel energy bank network.
QUESTION: What is the grant amount?
ANSWER: The maximum grant amount for the year is $400 from
Operation Fuel. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive
funding from the state programs as well.
You can view the eligibility
guidelines for Operation Fuel and the state programs on this
site.
QUESTION: What are the income eligibility
guidelines?
ANSWER: See
Income Eligibility Guidelines
on this website.
QUESTION: What are my options if I am over
income for the Operation Fuel energy program?
ANSWER: There is a state program called CHAP that will help
residents with their energy bills with incomes over the
Operation Fuel guidelines. You can view the income eligibility
guidelines for Operation Fuel and the state programs at the
getting help page.
You can also call Infoline at 211 for a referral to an
appropriate organization.
QUESTION: Is there a residency requirement,
i.e. how long must you have lived in CT before you can receive
assistance?
ANSWER: You are eligible as soon as you move to Connecticut. You
only have to show proof of address at your current residence.
QUESTION: What documents
will I need to make application for energy assistance?
ANSWER: A past due energy bill, personal identification, and
proof of income are required as part of the application. If you
think you qualify for energy assistance based on the
income guidelines, you
need to contact the fuel bank in
your town. The fuel bank will ask you some questions
over the phone to establish preliminary eligibility, schedule an
appointment, and tell you exactly what documents you will need
to bring with you for the application process.
QUESTION: Do I have to divulge information
about my assets to apply for energy assistance?
ANSWER: Operation Fuel does not require an asset test. We look
at income only.
QUESTION: Can monies received through Operation
Fuel be for anything other than fuel/energy?
ANSWER: No. Funds are dispersed in cash grants of up to $400 per
family per year paid directly to energy vendors.
QUESTION: If I get State energy assistance can
I also get help from Operation Fuel?
ANSWER: Yes. After you have exhausted all your benefits from the
state or the state program has shut down for the season, you may
apply to Operation Fuel for assistance.
QUESTION: Do I have to apply every year and
what do I do if I miss the deadline?
ANSWER: Yes, you need to apply every year. Our program starts
December 1 and ends May 31. In some cases, we may be able to
assist people in the summer if there is a life-threatening
emergency. If you miss the deadline, please call our office at
1-800-354-7199 to discuss summer funds.
QUESTION: I need more assistance. Can I apply
for an Operation Fuel energy grant again?
ANSWER: The maximum grant is $400 annually. If you receive half
($200) of this grant in your first application, and find that
later in the heating season you need more, yes, you may apply
again and receive the $200 balance for the year.
QUESTION: Is it possible to receive an energy
grant during the summer?
ANSWER: Operation Fuel does run a summer energy assistance
program when there is funding available. However, some towns
choose not to participate in the summer program.
QUESTION: How do I get my utilities
restored/reconnected?
ANSWER: Contact the fuel bank in your
area/town
and they will work with you and your utility company. Gas and
electric customers are urged to contact your utility company and
apply for hardship or a payment plan so that your service is not
interrupted.
QUESTION: I’m in need of a new heating system,
where can I get help with this?
ANSWER: Operation Fuel doesn’t provide repairs to heating
systems. Sometimes we can assist you in finding agencies that
can help.
QUESTION: Can I get help with
weatherization/repairs?
ANSWER: No, Operation Fuel provides help only with energy
assistance. The fuel bank director in your town may be able to
help you with the state weatherization program.
QUESTION: How do I participate in utility
companies Add-a-Dollar Program?
ANSWER: Just add a dollar to your utility bill at participating
utility companies - CL&P, CNG, Southern CT Gas, United
Illuminating and Yankee Gas. CL&P customers can call the CL&P
customer service center at 1-800-286-2000 or (947-2000 in the
Hartford and Meriden calling areas) to have a customer service
representative enroll them in the automatic pledge program which
will automatically add $1 to their electric bill each month. Not
all utility companies offer an automatic Add-a-Dollar program.
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