Santa Maria Sun / News

Local nonprofit offers bill-paying assistance

BY AMY ASMAN

Need help paying your bills? On July 16 and 30, the Community Action Commission’s Santa Maria office will hold a special event for qualified low-income families living in Santa Maria and the surrounding areas. People who meet income requirements might be able to receive a free utility payment.

The Community Action Commission’s Energy Services Program will be accepting walk-in applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) at 201 W. Chapel St., in Santa Maria, from
 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants are asked to bring the
following items:

All the pages of the applicant’s most recent electric and gas bills; income documents for all household members from the last 30 days; a valid picture ID from the state of California; and a Social Security card for the person applying for HEAP. According to a press release from the Community Action Commission, it’s possible to apply without a Social Security card, but the utility payment will be delayed until the applicant is assigned a special ID number from the state.

Applicants must also bring a birth certificate or some other verification of date of birth for children; rental or house payment receipts for the current month; and proof of disability if the applicant is disabled.

Reservations aren’t required, though individuals will be served in the order in which they arrive and sign in.

Applicants who are older than 60, disabled, or who have children younger than 5 and are therefore are unable to attend the walk-in application dates can request a mail-in application by calling 1-800-655-0617 and asking for the HEAP line.

Applicants who are delinquent on their utility payments and have received a shut off notice might be eligible for assistance by calling the number and asking for the HEAP line or showing up in person at 5638 Hollister Ave., suite 220, in Goleta.

News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.