CAP still accepting Winter Crisis applications 

Community Action Partnership Darke County is still accepting applications for the Emergency Heap Program until March 31, 2013, or until funds are depleted. 

Under the Winter Crisis Program, eligible households may receive a one-time payment of up to $175 for a utility emergency and $750 for bulk fuel. The Winter Crisis funds can pay a customer’s initial payment for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus), a PIPP Plus default, a reconnection fee or a deposit. Users of bulk fuel, propane or bottled gas or solid fuels may also be eligible for assistance. A customer may receive a delivery of fuel if their tank contains 25 percent or less of its capacity. 

Income eligibility for the Winter Crisis Program is 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, household income cannot exceed $46,100 a year. They must be on PIPP Plus or sign up for PIPP Plus or another payment plan. 

Proof of income must be provided. This can include child support payments received, wages, Social Security, public assistance or unemployment compensation. 

Customers seeking assistance may be seen at 1469 Sweitzer Street Greenville, Ohio 45331. 

Following a two-year transition period, PIPP Plus rules will be fully implemented this year. A PIPP Plus customer with a disconnect notice can use the $175 payment to get their service reconnected. However, in order to stay on PIPP Plus, the customer must make up any PIPP Plus payments they have missed. 

If the customer is unable to clear the PIPP Plus arrearage, they will still be reconnected and put on one of the standard payment plans. Once the customer retires the arrearage, he or she may return to PIPP Plus. 

To be eligible for PIPP Plus, customers must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, that equals an annual income of $34,575. 

Darke County customers may call 937-548-8143 to make an appointment. The CAP office will accept a limited number of walk-in customers weekday mornings beginning at 8 a.m.to 9 a.m. Not all walk-ins are guaranteed to be seen. Evening appointment will also be available for the working families.