HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that residents struggling with winter weather and the tough economic times may want to check a variety of resources for assistance and tips.
“Times are tough but help often is but a phone call away,” George said. “It can be worthwhile to make a year-end review of available resources.”
Here To Help Web Site
George said the state has a new Web site, HereToHelpPA, which offers resources grouped by topics such as employment, family services, housing and economic development. The links run the gamut from state and federal job opportunities to adult and children’s health insurance.
Heating Assistance
County assistance offices are accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that offers minimum cash grants of $300 to help families pay heating bills and maximum crisis grants of $800 for heating emergences like utility shutoffs, fuel shortages and equipment failures.
The numbers for Clearfield County are 765-0684 and toll free at 1-800 862-8941.
An individual making up to $23,110 – and a family of four making up to $44,443 – could qualify for LIHEAP. The program’s application window depends on demand and availability of funding.
Consumers without utility service or facing a shut-off should first call their utility. The state Public Utility Commission also may be able to help. The toll-free number for the PUC is 1-800 692-7380.
Turn, Seal, Save
Tips and resources to control energy use and reduce heating costs are available online at www.TurnSealSave.org or through a toll-free hotline, 1-866 550-4355. The Web site also lists a link to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Renovate & Repair program, which can help homeowners with low to moderate income rehabilitate and/or improve their homes.
Rebate Deadline Nears
George said the deadline to apply for rebates from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is approaching fast. Rebate applications must be post-marked by Dec. 31 to be considered.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms and information are available online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com and by calling 1-888 222-9190 toll free between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
The program, based on property taxes and rents paid in 2007, benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older. Income limits for homeowners have been eased to $35,000, excluding half of Social Security income. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is now $650.
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployed Pennsylvanians who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits can apply for up to 20 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation. Potentially eligible claimants are being contacted by the state Department of Labor and Industry. Claimants who have not received a notice and believe they are eligible may call their unemployment compensation service center.
Labor & Industry has increased its hours and workers to handle the surge in applicants. The statewide, toll-free number for unemployment compensation — 1-888 313-7284 — is available from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Initial applications also can be made online at any time.
$1 Billion Unclaimed
Residents may check the state Treasury Department’s database or by calling the department toll-free at 1-800 222-2046 to see if they are owed cash or property. The department is trying to find the owners of $1 billion in unclaimed property.
“It may be worthwhile to check the listing,” George said. “In the last fiscal year alone, more than $1 million in unclaimed property were returned to residents of Clearfield and Centre counties.”
