By KRISTEN KEUHL
Development Assistant, Brightpoint

WARSAW — Brightpoint began accepting calls Monday, Oct. 19, to schedule appointments for energy assistance for all of its offices in Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley counties.

Appointments are available for households that have received a disconnect notice or whose utilities are already disconnected. Those who are not currently up for disconnect may complete the paper application and submit it for processing. Applications can be found on Brightpoint’s website.

The Energy Assistance Program helps pay a portion of a household’s heating bills during the winter months. Last year, Brightpoint helped close to 9,600 families with their utility bills. Help is available for both renters and homeowners. Eligible households receive the benefit one time per heating season.

• The program runs Nov. 2, through May 13. Applicants must meet income levels:
• For a one-person household, no more than $17,655 annually
• For a two-person household, no more than $23,895 annually
• For a three-person household, no more than $30,135 annually
• For a four-person household, no more than $36,375 annually
• Add $6,240 for each additional family member

At all locations, the following must be brought to the appointment and is mandatory to complete an application:

• Proof of income for previous 12 months, including current W-2s for all household members, current pay stubs, SS and/or SSDI award letters, unemployment income, veterans benefits, pensions, etc.
• Household members age 18 years old with no income must obtain a wage history statement from the WorkOne office
• Household members age 18 and older and in school must submit a school schedule.
• Current utility bills for heat and electricity; utility bills must be in the name of a household member who is older than 18
• Completed landlord affidavit or copy of current, signed lease
• Completed application with your signature and date
• Social Security number documentation for all household members older than age 1 who have a social security number; examples include a Social Security card, federal form with full Social Security number, pay stub with full Social Security number, Social Security award letter; IRS 1040s cannot be used to verify Social Security numbers
• Photo IDs for all household members 18 and older

Those who need to make an appointment can do so by calling Brightpoint’s dedicated appointment line 24 hours a day at (800) 589-2264 or 211.