IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
Indiana was recently awarded just under $17 million in supplemental Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding through the CARES Act. This funding allows us, as the agency that administers the program at the state level, to help more Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help better understand how Indiana residents can access this funding I asked our Community Programs Manager for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Thomas Hartnett-Russell a few questions:
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What is the benefit? A one-time $350 benefit is available for anyone that has lost their job, or significantly decreased their hours since the start of the COVID-19 emergency declaration. This benefit, which covers about 2 months of utility services on average, is available to individuals that have received energy assistance already and those that have not applied yet but meet the household income requirements.
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How do I apply? To see eligibility requirements and a list of local service providers who administer the program in Indiana, please call 2-1-1 or visit: eap.ihcda.in.gov. I encourage Hoosiers in need of assistance to start the application process as soon as possible.
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When is the application due date? Applications for Program Year 2020 are due by July 31, 2020.
Due to the high demand, local service providers may take up to 60 days to determine eligibility and an additional 30 days for the utility company to process the payment. We encourage individuals that apply for assistance to continue paying their utility bills while they wait to see if they are eligible. If you are unable to make your payments you should negotiate a payment arrangement with your utility provider and inform them if you have applied for the Energy Assistance Program.
I would like to thank Thomas and his team, along with Emily Krauser, our Director of Community Programs, for their leadership and commitment to serving their fellow Hoosiers. I also want to acknowledge or network of local service providers, 2-1-1 and other organizations for their help in providing support, determining eligibility and processing applications for the more than 100,000 Hoosier families that receive energy assistance each year. Without their support, the task of administering this program would be almost impossible.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our team, or myself directly, if there is anything we can do to assist you. Remember, we are #INthistogether!
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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