Senator Dan Debicella (R-21) today applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell’s calling of a special session to increase winter heating assistance benefits to seniors and other needy Connecticut residents.
“High heating oil costs will make this winter very difficult for seniors on a fixed income and families in need. I fully support the Governor’s call to distribute $84 million in winter heating aid under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and significantly increase benefit levels for elderly, low-income and other vulnerable households.”
Governor Rell’s plan has two tiers of benefits for seniors and working families. Households with less than $42,400 are eligible for benefits of up to $675. In addition, these households may qualify for one time crisis benefits of $400 for those who depend on oil and propane deliveries. Safety Net Assistance benefits may be available for deliverable fuel households that have exhausted their basic and crisis benefits and face life threatening situations.
The second tier is for households making up to $56,300, who are eligible for benefits up to $300, and one time crisis benefits of $325 for those who depend on oil and propane deliveries.
“Staying warm this winter may be especially difficult for senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Connecticut, like other New England states, is seeking more federal funding for heating assistance programs this winter. As Governor Rell noted, CEAP is expected to serve more than 90,000 households this year, which is considerably more than last year. What is most important is that no one is forced to be cold this winter,” said Senator Debicella.
The additional funds will come from federal funding and the $22 million surplus the state has for the current fiscal year, resulting in no new burden on taxpayers.
CEAP is administered by the state Department of Social Services (DSS). According to the state Department of Social Services (DSS) website, information about the program for 2008-2009 will be available in September. Also, interested persons can call 1-800-842-1132, or 2-1-1 Infoline. Those with internet access can visit www.ct.gov/dss, click on “elders” and scroll down to “winter heating aid”.
Senator Debicella also said people can contact his office to help navigate the application process. “I urge people who are worried about high heating costs to please call my legislative office in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421, or e-mail me at Dan.Debicella@cga.ct.gov,” said Senator Debicella. |
