Water, Electric & Gas Utility Assistance
What is the Energy Assistance Program?
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) can help you pay your heat and electric bills. EAP is a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are disconnected, or are about to get disconnected. However, an EAP benefit will not cover all of your annual heating and electrics costs, so you should continue to pay your bills regularly.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility is based in household size and income as shown below.
How long will it take to receive my assistance?
It may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible, and after your benefit has been awarded, it may take an additional 30 days for the utility company to process your benefit. Please continue to pay your utility bills while waiting for your energy assistance to appear on your account.
If you are receiving a direct pay benefit, it may take up to 120 days from the date of your benefit approval for your payment to be processed and mailed to you. Please allow 120 days from the approval date before you call to check the benefit status.
For more information visit the website: Energy Assistance Program
On this site, it includes the online form to fill out and submit for assistance, plus any additional forms you may need to have to receive help.
WEATHERIZATION/ENERGY CONSERVATION
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides energy conservation measures to reduce the utility bills of low-income Hoosiers across the state. The program offers clients a permanent solution to reducing their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) allocates funds to IHCDA for distribution to our network of Community Action Agencies to perform weatherization work.
Click here to view a brochure about the program.
North Township Trustee is a government agency that serves the communities of East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Munster and Whiting. North Township, located in Lake County, Indiana, is the second largest of the 1,008 townships in the state. Historically, the primary function of the township offices is to provide assistance to those in need. "We are proud of what we are able to accomplish with limited funding that comes to the township through property taxes," Trustee Adrian Santos says. "We have skilled staff that help walk those who need assistance through the application process to guarantee they are getting the assistance they need -- when they need it."
This agency provides a Utilities directory of organizations that provide assistance for those who may need it. Here is a list of requirements needed to be able to receive assistance from the North Township Trustee.
TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE
Eligibility Requirements
Residency Requirements
The Township must make some determination as to the applicant’s living arrangements. Therefore such items may be required, but not limited to, the following:
Income Requirements
Household size Gross Monthly Income or less
1 person $927
2 people $1,245
3 people $1,563
4 people $1,877
5 people $2,225
6 people $2,531
7 people $3,017
8 people $3,307
9 people $3,437
10 people $3,567
For family units with more than 10 members, add $130 per month.
To learn or obtain more information, visit the Trustee website by visiting the North Township Trustee website.
Calumet Township Trustee office
The Calumet Township Trustee Office provides emergency relief to eligible residents in a timely and professional manner. The Calumet Township Trustee Office is responsible for providing life’s basic supporting needs to the community’s indigent population and people from all walks of life who find themselves in need of temporary assistance. Applications for assistance are processed between the hours of 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, at our Main Office located at 610 Connecticut Street.
TYPE OF SERVICES AVAILABLE
Housing
Housing assistance for rent or mortgage can be provided if applicants meet the eligibility requirements. Shelter space may also be available depending on eligibility. Verification is required.
Utilities/Fuel
Assistance can be provided for current utility bills as long as the bill is in the applicant’s name and applicant’s residence is current. Verification will be required.
Food
Food vouchers can be provided for households not receiving food stamps and meet eligibility requirements. Food stamps are not supplemented unless for specific emergencies. Verification is required and some restrictions do apply.
Transportation
Transportation to eligible person who is stranded and request to be sent to his/her place of legal residence. Verification is required.
Burials
Assistance is available for deceased family members who lived in Calumet Township and meet eligibility requirements
Traveler’s Aid
Assistance can be provided for qualifying applicants stranded in Calumet Township and need help returning to legal residence within the U. S. by means of a one way bus ticket. Restrictions do apply.
Medical Expenses
Doctor’s visits, Prescriptions, Diagnostics, Dental and Eye Care based on eligibility
For more information regarding eligibility, application and more visit the Township Assistance section of the website.
Gary Neighborhood Services
Energy Assistance Program
Hours: Monday - Friday
Gary, IN 46407
Phone: (219) 883-0431
Visit Website
Greater Hammond Community Services
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Will be serving clients as usual during this closed period. 1. Clients who already have an appointment ticket can submit their application and documents one of the following ways. a. Upload completed application and necessary documents and email to: Lscenter2@yahoo.com b. Drop off completed application and copies of the necessary documents and place them in the outside drop box, located on the Cedar Avenue side of the building. c. Mail in your completed application and copies of the necessary documents to the following: GHCS, 824 Hoffman St, Hammond IN 46327 2. Clients who do not have an appointment ticket and apply and upload necessary documents online and the EAP Connect Website and ihcda.azurewebsite.us/portal 3. You may contact Northwest Indiana Community Action - Resource Connections department at 1-800-826-7871 option 1 to request an application to be mailed to you. Please be advised that Nipsco, Duke Energy, Indiana-America, Citizens Energy Group and other providers have voluntarily suspended utility disconnections. If applicants have a utility disconnect notice, they must contact the utility provider to make payment arrangements to stay on during the application wait period.
Please call (219)932-4800 for hours of operation.
Phone: (219)932-4800
Federal Communications Commission
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
A $3.2 billion federal initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic The FCC expects the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to be open to eligible households before the end of April, 2021. Please check the FCC’s website, www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit , regularly for the latest information.
Internet Essentials
High Speed Internet
You may qualify for Internet Essentials if: (A) You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others. (B) You do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible. (C) You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available. (D) You are not an existing Xfinity Internet customer and have not subscribed to Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days. Visit www.internetessentials.com
Benefits.Gov
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible. Visit www.benefits.gov/benefit/623 for more information or www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing for a contact list by state.
Salvation Army East Chicago Corps & Community Center
NIPSCO Assistance
The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs in order to keep families in their homes.
For more information or support: contact our Corps Community Center at 219-398-2939,
Hours: Monday- Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
Monday to Friday
Address: 513 W. Chicago Ave.
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219)398-2939
Phone: (219)398-9692
Visit Website