Operation Fuel
WHAT IS OPERATION FUEL?
Operation Fuel (https://operationfuel.org/about/how-we-help/) offers emergency energy assistance for heating expenses for households who meet program guidelines with incomes at or below 75% of the State Median Income guidelines. Such assistance shall be given in accordance with these guidelines but with flexibility to meet human needs. Local fuel banks assess client eligibility and make payments to vendors. Households are able to apply to the program directly online as well.
BENEFIT AMOUNT: Operation Fuel awards grants for the Summer/Fall seasons. The grants are used for home energy needs (electricity, gas, and deliverable fuels). Amount of assistance is based on funding available.
ELIGIBILITY:
- ELECTRIC OR GAS UTILITY: To qualify for a grant toward their electric or gas bills, applicants must have at least one of the following criteria: a shut-off notice, have no utility service, must need assistance with making a required payment to maintain a payment arrangement, or have a past due balance of 30 days or more. Households will be eligible for this program even if they received a grant for their primary heat through the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
- Total household income is at or below 75% state median income by either:
- providing income documentation for every household member over the past 4 weeks, or
- demonstrating categorical eligibility by providing a CEAP or SSI award letter from within the past year.
- Applicant has not received an Operation Fuel energy assistance grant during the 12-month period of which they are applying. In other words, if a client received a grant on June 1, 2024, he/she is not eligible for an Operation Fuel grant until June 1, 2025.
- All applicants must provide a unique email address with application, and up to date, accurate demographic, and income information for all household members.
- Applicants from “vulnerable” households will receive priority review. Vulnerable households are those with at least one member of age 60 and above; or age six and younger; or, with a disability.
- Applicants who demonstrate that they are currently shut off or out of fuel will receive priority review.
- Applicants must provide records for each household member, including income documentation for each household member aged 21 and over.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE:
CONTRIBUTING TO OPERATION FUEL:
Operation Fuel is funded by direct private donations, state funding, and the Add-a-Dollar program through utility companies. Through the Add-a-Dollar program, utility customers can choose to add a dollar to their utility payments. Individuals can find out more about all donation options including ways to donate to Operation Fuel directly on the Operation Fuel website.
—————————–
SOURCE: Operation Fuel fact sheets; Operation Fuel website
PREPARED BY: 211/nl
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2024
