KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Southwestern Community Services is seeing increased demand for fuel assistance as New Hampshire residents prepare for the upcoming winter heating season.

Terra Rogers of Southwestern Community Services discussed the agency’s fuel and energy assistance programs during Tuesday’s interview on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio. Rogers said SCS has received about 200 more applications than it had at the same point last year from residents in Cheshire and Sullivan counties.

As of the interview, SCS had received 2,420 applications. Despite the increase, Rogers said the agency is processing requests significantly faster than it did last year.

“We are pretty much caught up,” Rogers said.

Applications are currently taking about two to three weeks to process, compared with approximately two months at the same point last year.

The fuel assistance program operates from Dec. 1 through April 30. Applications for the general public opened Sept. 1. Seniors age 60 and older who are on fixed incomes and participated in the program previously typically receive applications by mail around late June or early July, but those applications still need to be completed and returned.

Rogers said SCS is prioritizing households that heat with wood so suppliers have time to prepare for the winter. Other eligible applicants are expected to receive notification about their benefits in mid- to late November.

Approximately 60 percent of the households served by the program are in Cheshire County, with the remaining 40 percent in Sullivan County.

Who Qualifies for Fuel Assistance?

Eligibility is based on household income and is currently set at 60 percent of New Hampshire’s state median income. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $93,680.

Benefit amounts vary based on factors including household income, home size and the type of heating used. Benefits range from $188 for some renters whose heat is included with their rent to as much as $2,500 for a household with no income.

The average benefit in the region is about $1,200. Rogers said deliverable-fuel benefits are expected to increase by approximately 20% for households whose circumstances have not changed from the previous year.

Assistance can be used for oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets, bio-bricks and electric heat. Payments generally are made directly to fuel vendors or landlords.

Renters may need to provide additional documentation from their landlord, including a landlord form and W-9. When approved, the benefit can be paid to the landlord and may reduce one month’s rent.

Rogers encouraged residents who believe they may be over the income limit to apply or contact SCS to determine whether they qualify for another program.

“If you need the help, reach out to us, even if you think you might be over income,” Rogers said.

Other Energy Assistance Available

The fuel assistance application also connects residents with the Electrical Assistance Program, which provides a discount on qualifying electric bills. Seniors age 60 and older may be eligible for a two-year electrical assistance benefit period.

SCS also administers weatherization assistance, which can help with insulation and certain heating-system repairs. Because demand is high, however, the program operates with a prioritized waiting list.

Another option is the Senior Energy Assistance Program. Some seniors who are over the regular fuel assistance income limit may still qualify for a $270 benefit through that program.

For households facing an immediate electric utility problem, the Neighbor Helping Neighbor program may provide emergency assistance. Qualifying households with a pending electric disconnect or shutoff may currently receive up to $500 in assistance.

Rogers said residents should submit all required documentation with their applications because missing paperwork can delay processing.

“Now is the time to get the applications in,” Rogers said.

Applications and additional eligibility information are available at scshelps.org, or residents can contact the Southwestern Community Services office in Keene at 603-352-7512. SCS also plans to offer an online application option later in the season.

Listen to the full interview: