Cherokee Nation Accepting Low Income Energy Home Energy Assistance Applications

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Deadline January 13

Native Brief: TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is again providing funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for eligible Cherokees and other area Native Americans this winter.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that is coordinated through Cherokee Nation's Family Assistance Program and serves low income households that need assistance paying for their home energy bills. The program gives priority to those with the highest home energy needs, meaning low income households with a high energy burden or the presence of a vulnerable individual in the household, such as a young child, a disabled person or a frail elder.

Income eligibility levels are based on income plus the number of persons residing in your home and have changed this year. Although in the past the income eligibility limit was set at the national poverty level plus 10 percent, the participating household's income this year cannot exceed the national poverty level plus 50 percent. For example, a household of two people cannot have a combined incomes totaling more than $1,839 per month, or $22,065 per year, and a household of four cannot have combined incomes of more than $2,794 per month or $33,525 per year. For complete income guidelines, please contact the Cherokee Nation Family Assistance Program.

To be eligible for assistance through Cherokee Nation, a person must reside with the tribal jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation, have a tribal citizenship card, show proof of income for the previous 12 months, show proof of residency and provide the household's energy vendor information. Payments will be made to the vendor in recipient's name. Priority will be given to elders and families with children under the age of five.

Applications will be accepted through January 13. Separate applications for crisis situations will be accepted beginning February 1 through March 16.

For more information, contact Janet L. Ward, Cherokee Nation Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program coordinator, at 918-453-5327.

posted December 21, 2011 9:50 am est