Connecticut state officials are adopting a cautious stance, awaiting a decision on whether to provide support to the financially strained the LIHEAP heating assistance program. Concerns loom as a second wave of federal funding remains in political uncertainty, and the demand for assistance continues to rise.
Advocates are apprehensive that underprivileged families may endure freezing conditions in their homes long before state legislators reconvene at the Capitol on Feb. 7. The latest figures from the state Department of Social Services reveal that over 33,000 applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), the same as the LIHEAP but with a different name, were greenlit between Sept. 1 and Nov. 4.
How does the LIHEAP/CEAP program work in Connecticut?
It’s worth noting that last winter, the program surpassed the 100,000-household milestone for the first time. The escalating demand underscores the urgency of addressing the financial challenges faced by the heating assistance initiative. This marks a 23% increase compared to the corresponding period last winter.
Advocates continue to persist in urging Congress to boost the grants for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which substantially funds the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Simultaneously, they will maintain pressure on state officials to deviate from the norm and allocate additional local funds to the energy assistance budget.
Applying for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Social Services in collaboration with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. It assists residents of Connecticut in meeting their heating expenses. The application process for CEAP typically requires 30–45 minutes of your time. Depending on your specific circumstances, the basic benefits provided for your heating bill range from $180 to $530.
These benefits are commonly disbursed directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. For households utilizing deliverable fuels such as oil or propane, there’s the potential for additional benefits, including free tank fills. CEAP not only offers financial support but also extends benefits such as heating shut-off protections, eligibility for a payment plan to reduce primary utility heating costs, and access to free heating equipment replacement and repairs.
Your household could be eligible for CEAP if you can answer YES to the following questions:
- Are you a Connecticut resident?
- Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?
- You receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services
- Your annual household income falls at or below the income levels in the table below (i.e. 60% of the state’s median income)
For Ways to Apply for CEAP Funds
The easiest way is to apply online: Online applications are now open.
Applying by phone is also available: Call your local Community Action Agency and request assistance applying for CEAP over the phone (see ‘Phone Number’ below).
Apply by email is also a posibility: Download and complete the CEAP application. Email your complete application and required documents to your local Community Action Agency (see ‘Email Address’ below).
Apply in person: Call your local Community Action Agency and schedule an in-person appointment. Check that the CEAP application is correctly filled, no errors or blank spaces before your appointment and bring all of your required documents to your appointment.