Vermont: Demand for home heating aid is way up

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Wednesday, September 27, 2000

State: Demand for home heating aid is way up By David Gram

ASSOCIATED PRESS

MONTPELIER - Demand for home heating assistance is up sharply this year, making a $2.3 million boost in federal funding announced Tuesday crucial, officials said.

"Given the incredibly high cost of fuel oil - unfortunately a cost that we don't expect to drop anytime soon - this help is critical," Gov. Howard Dean said at a news conference. With the heightened demand, "this year is going to present a challenge," he added.

Richard Moffi, the state's fuel assistance program chief, said his office in July sent out 20,000 applications for help from the program to families that had received fuel assistance last winter.

By the end of August, about 17,300 families had applied for the assistance, up 22 percent from the same period a year earlier, Moffi said. An additional 1,100 applications have been received since the end of August, and more are expected as winter approaches.

The $2.3 million was Vermont's share of $400 million in additional fuel assistance announced by President Clinton on Saturday. It brings the state's total fuel aid package from the federal government to $8.7 million, Dean said.

The money comes as home heating oil prices have hit $1.35 a gallon on average, up 55 percent from last year at this time.

"That's a real hit on a family's budget," Dean said. "Fortunately, the Clinton administration understands the need and has responded with funding to help us heat our homes."

The estimated fuel assistance benefit this year is $500 per family, Moffi said. Payments are made directly to fuel dealers. In the past, a third of the cost was paid in November and two-thirds in January. This year, the full benefit will be paid in November for families that applied by the end of August, in a bid to lock in early-season prices, Moffi said.

Eligible applicants who apply between Sept. 1 and Feb. 28 will get their benefits later in the season, he added.

Income guidelines can vary, but generally are around $870 a month for a single person, $1,020 a month for a senior or disabled Vermonter, and about $1,776 for a family of four. People just above those limits should apply, because there's often some flexibility, Moffi said.

Vermonters who wish to contact the program can call toll-free 1-800-479-6151.

http://timesargus.nybor.com/Story/13279.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 27, 2000


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