From the Director
The high cost of staying warm
By Robert P. Dean
This has been a cold winter. The high cost of oil is expected to increase the heating fuel costs of the average household by almost $1,000 this winter, while those who rely on natural gas can expect to see at least a 10% increase. Nearly one third of all Massachusetts households depend on fuel oil, kerosene, or propane for heat, while approximately 42% rely on natural gas.
Some help is available. Here in Berkshire County, the Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This fuel assistance program is available from November 1 through April 30, and assists low-income families by helping to defray the cost of heating fuel. This program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income and size. Some families may be eligible for up to $865 in heating fuel assistance. BCAC makes the heating bill payments directly to the primary heat source vendor - oil, propane, wood or coal dealer, or gas or electric utility. Some renters whose heat is included in their rent payment may also be eligible to receive assistance. If you would like to learn more about this program or would like to apply for fuel assistance, call the Berkshire Community Action Council at 663-3014 (North County); 445-5671 (Central County); or 528-1947 (South County).
Another program that can help is the Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program (JOE-4-OIL), which can provide a one-time delivery of up to 200 gallons of home heating fuel for half of the state-wide retail price. This program assists low-income and senior households, as well as those who are experiencing a sudden financial need due to a household emergency. The program helps households with their winter heating needs only, and runs through March 30, or until the program’s supply of 2 million gallons of heating oil is exhausted. If you would like to learn more about this program, or would like to apply for assistance call the Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program at (617) 338-6300 or (877) 563-4645.
Here at Elder Services, we have set aside $10,000 from our Elder Care Fund, which is supported by memorial and other donations, to provide emergency fuel assistance to Berkshire County seniors during the winter of 2008. These funds will be utilized to assist low-income Berkshire seniors with urgent/essential fuel needs which are not covered by other programs, and will be available only after other fuel assistance sources such as the two programs described above have been utilized. The funds are available on a one-time-only basis and will be capped at a maximum of $250. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about this program, or about other fuel assistance programs that are available in Berkshire County, please call Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 499-0524. No one should be cold in their own home.
On a somewhat related note, if you or someone you know needs help with the preparation of this year’s Federal and Massachusetts tax returns, please consider contacting the tax preparation program sponsored by the AARP Foundation. It has been in existence for years and has a proven track record here in Berkshire County. It is offered at seven senior or community centers located throughout the county, and it is free. You do not have to be a member of AARP to participate. For additional information on this program,
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services
