Northampton County seniors may qualify for $780 in heating aid this month

"Programs like this provide critical assistance to seniors living on fixed incomes who are already facing rising costs for everyday necessities."

Older adults in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, may be able to get up to $780 to help pay home heating bills through an emergency assistance program.

The effort is designed to support eligible residents age 60 and older who live outside the City of Bethlehem and need help covering heating expenses during the colder months.

Here's what to know

Northampton County's Area Agency on Aging is accepting referrals for the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program, according to The Valley Ledger.

The county's community and economic development department oversees the federal HUD grant that pays for the aid.

The seasonal household cap is $800 for a one-time payment. Of that total, $780 is applied to fuel costs, while Project of Easton receives $20 for administration.

"Programs like this provide critical assistance to seniors living on fixed incomes who are already facing rising costs for everyday necessities," Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski said, according to the Ledger. "We are proud to support this initiative and help ensure our older residents can remain safe, warm, and secure in their homes."

More background

Applicants must show proof of household income to demonstrate that they meet HUD's income limits, according to the Ledger.

They must also meet a requirement tied to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP: applicants must either have been denied help or already used all available benefits.

For residents who use non-oil heating, a shutoff notice can serve as proof of an immediate need for heat. For fuel assistance, the required proof is a tank that is no more than 25% full.

What can be done?

Applicants must provide two pieces of mail, including at least one bill, to verify their address. They also need a current lease or a letter from a landlord.

Eligibility will be determined during a home visit arranged by aging agency staff after a referral is received. During that visit, the staff member will review the applicant's situation.

"No older adult in Northampton County should have to worry about whether they can afford to heat their home during the winter months," Zrinski added, according to the Ledger.