As the temperatures continue to cool off and fall turns into winter, we are going to start using heating sources in our homes.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program to help income-qualified households with monthly heating bill payments. New Opportunities Greene County Coordinator Teresa Lansman says LIHEAP appointments are now open for anyone age 60 and older or disabled individuals. She points out that those who qualified last year must reapply, with one exception.

“We do have some elderly people that have received automatic eligible application. All they’ll have to do is just check it and make sure it is correct, fill in their income amount and sign it. But if they haven’t received a letter by now, they’re better off to just call in and get an appointment set up with me.”

Applications must have proof of income, social security cards for every member of the household and a utility bill statement. Lansman adds once a household is on the program, their heat will not be shut-off for the duration of the program from November 1st through next April 30th. November 1st is when the program is open to everyone to apply.

To schedule an appointment, call New Opportunities in Jefferson at 386-2719.