Welcome to Today’s Webinar

Sponsored by:

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Our mission: Increasing the collective impact of aging in place initiatives through shared learning in New Hampshire, Maine & Vermont

Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging

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Thank you to our Funders + Sponsors!

www.agefriendly.community

https://www.uhc.com/

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We want to hear from you!

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Language Matters – Reframing Messaging

• Please consider using the term “older people” or “older adults”
• As with all people, describe the person as the person wants to be described
• Be Inclusive – we are all aging! Avoid “us versus them” or “othering” language
• Avoid lumping 5 decades of people into one category – or using the term “the elderly”�Learn More about reframing aging and Power in Aging Project here

Webinar Housekeeping

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Why Winter Resources and What We Hope You’ll Take Away

With heating fuel, utility, and other costs of living soaring, we know many older adults in our communities are struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes we need to wrap multiple personal, community, and organizational supports around someone to meet their needs.

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• Highlight eligibility & access to critical programs that help ensure that no one goes without heating in the frigid months ahead.

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• Let’s get talking - share stories, inspiration, resources, and creative thinking!

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We’re all in this together, and no person, community or organization is alone!

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Introducing Today’s Speakers

Junelle Soucy

Energy Services Coordinator

York County Community Action

Maine

Raymond Burke

Energy & Utility Justice Project Director

New Hampshire Legal Assistance

Deanna Jones

Executive Director

Thompson Senior Center

Vermont

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Carla Kamel

Care Coordinator, Community Health Team

Mt. Ascutney Hospital

Vermont

Home Heating Info Session�PY2023��Staying Warm, Safe, and Healthy

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Information as of: 12.12.2022

Who Can Apply for HEAP?

Direct or Indirect

energy cost obligation

Permanently installed heating system

Rent includes heat – YES

Subsidized Housing - YES

Who is Income Eligible

Medical Deductions: YES!

Documented medical payments made within the 12-month period prior to the application date can be deducted.

Child Support Deductions: YES!

Documented child support payments made during the income verification period.

150% Federal Poverty or 60% State Median

Whichever is Greater

Apply Now

July 18, 2022 – July 15, 2023

�Beyond HEAP Eligibility�

Arrearage Management Program (AMP)

Helps to reduce past due CMP balances.

HEAP clients

may be eligible for…

Electricity Lifeline

Program (ELP)

Assists with electric bill.

Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP)

Repairs and replaces heating systems.

Weatherization

Reduces energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

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Heat Pump Installation

Secondary heat source & fuel cost reduction

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Warm, Safe, & Healthy Tips

• Call if 7 days or less of a fuel supply or if you have received a disconnection notice

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• Change thermostat battery seasonally

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• Backup plan for a heating emergency

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• Check fuel gauge periodically

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*Resident reminder: Apply now, you’re not taking from others*

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The YCCAC Energy Team Thank You

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Special thank you to MaineHousing for their continued partnership

and the Office of DHHS for keeping Mainers warm.

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Jackie Watson

Director of Energy

York County Community Action

Jackie.Watson@yccac.org

www.yccac.org

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Resources

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York County Community Action

207-324-5762

207-459-2950 HEAP

www.yccac.org

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MaineHousing

https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy

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Central Maine Power (CMP)

http://www.cmpco.com/

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Public Utility Commission (PUC)

https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/consumer-assistance/electricityhelp

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New Hampshire Utility Assistance & Winter Disconnection Rules

NEW HAMPSHIRE LEGAL ASSISTANCE

DECEMBER 13, 2022

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Raymond Burke

rburke@nhla.org

603-206-2214

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About New Hampshire Legal Assistance

• NHLA is a statewide non-profit law firm
• Our clients are low-income individuals and families
• We work on civil cases that impact people’s basic needs
• We provide individual representation and advocate for systemic change
• NHLA’s Energy & Utility Justice Project can help people appeal application denials, negotiate repayment arrangements, and appeal disconnections that are contrary to NH PUC rules.

NH Gas Assistance Program

• Different from LIHEAP (known as Fuel Assistance in NH)
• Eligible natural gas customers may be able to receive a 45% discount on heating bills during winter (November through April)
• Customers of Liberty Utilities or Unitil-Gas
• Must have a “financial hardship” under the NH PUC rules. Eligibility for any means tested assistance program could qualify (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Electric Assistance Program, LIHEAP, etc.)
• Apply by contacting your utility and verifying “financial hardship”
• Liberty at 1-800-833-4200
• Unitil at 1-888-301-7700

NH Electric Assistance Program (EAP)

• EAP provides eligible electric customers with a discount on part of their monthly bill up to a certain amount of usage.
• Discounts range from 8% to 76% depending on the household income and size
• Benefits subject to availability of funds but can be applied every month for 12 months
• Eligible if household income is at or below 60% of state median income for household size ($63,950 for household of 3)
• Contact local Community Action Agency to apply
• Same application as LIHEAP (NH Fuel Assistance) and can receive both benefits

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New State-Funded Heating and Electric Assistance

• For households not eligible for LIHEAP (NH Fuel Assistance Program) or the Electric Assistance Program
• Eligible if household income is between 60% to 75% of state median income for household size (75% of SMI for household of 3 is $78,688)
• Can qualify for
• One-time bill credit of $450 for heating assistance
• One-time bill credit of $200 on electric bills
• Customers who heat home with electricity can receive both credits on electric bill
• Contact local Community Action Agency to apply

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NH Local Welfare Assistance

“Whenever a person in any town is poor and unable to support himself, he shall be relieved and maintained by the overseers of public welfare of such town, whether or not he has residence there.”�NH RSA 165:1, I

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Who is eligible for Local Welfare?

• Anyone who is “poor and unable to support” themselves
• Financial need and inability to meet basic needs are the main criteria
• Generally accepted that applicant must be a NH resident regardless of whether they are a resident of the town where they are applying for assistance
• Other criteria may be set forth in each town’s guidelines

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What should Local Welfare provide?

• Basic living needs:
• Food
• Shelter
• Utility assistance (typically provide enough to avoid disconnection and enter into a reasonable repayment arrangement)
• Other personal needs
• No “cap” or limit on assistance. Assistance should be provided whenever needed and person eligible
• Typically paid through vouchers directly to utility company, landlord, etc.

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Applying for Local Welfare

• Wide variation in practice among towns
• Towns should have someone designated to administer program and process applications
• Applications should be available and accepted at town buildings during business hours
• Consult town guidelines
• After written application, town should issue a written notice of decision to applicant
• Usually within 3-5 days unless there is an emergency such as no housing or imminent utility disconnection

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Determining Eligibility for Local Welfare

• Local Welfare office determines whether applicant’s “allowable expenses” exceed available income and liquid assets (consult town guidelines)
• Typically, expenses include shelter, medical expenses, food, utilities, and other expenses necessary to maintain the person or family
• Income does not include SNAP, LIHEAP (NH Fuel Assistance), or a child’s SSI benefits

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What conditions can a Town impose?

• Applicant must disclose income, resources, and other material financial information
• Can be required to apply for other “public assistance” (not to private charities)
• Reasonable work search or participation, if able (must document inability to work if unable)
• Identify legally responsible relatives
• Any conditions must be explained in writing and applicants must be given an opportunity to meet the conditions

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Local Welfare appeals

• Applicant or recipient has a right to a “fair hearing” to dispute denials or suspensions/terminations
• Deadline to request appeal should be stated in notice of decision (sometimes only 5 days)
• If person has been receiving assistance, can request that assistance continue pending the outcome of the hearing (“benefits pending”)
• Neutral hearing officer holds hearing and issues written decision
• Process should be explained in Town guidelines

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Recurring Local Welfare Issues

• Barriers to apply – limited office hours and staff
• “Thwarting” – refusal to allow someone to apply
• Residency – refusing or denying applicant because they allegedly do not reside in town
• Responsible relatives – town can ask applicant to identify legally liable relatives but cannot deny or delay assistance if non-responsive
• People often feel obligated to accept first repayment arrangement offered by utility company but can negotiate!

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Overview of NH PUC Winter Rules

• In effect from November 15^th to March 31^st
• Regulated utilities must seek approval to disconnect customers with medical emergencies or who are known to be age 65 or older
• Cannot disconnect service without first notifying customer by phone or in person at least 2 business days before
• Cannot disconnect customer with a “financial hardship” who has made a good faith effort to pay their bill
• More flexibility in payment arrangements
• PUC rules available at https://www.puc.nh.gov/Regulatory/Rules/PUC1200.PDF

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New Start Program for Eversource Customers with Arrears

• Helps eliminate outstanding balance in as little as 12 months
• Eligible if Eversource customer
• With active service
• Past due balance of $150 or more that is 60 days or more past due
• Monthly payment plan based on average electric usage over 12-month period
• With each on-time monthly payment, 1/12^th of enrollment balance is eliminated or forgiven (up to $12,000 annually)
• For more information call Eversource at 1-844-273-7760 or visit Eversource.com/billhelp

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How to reach NHLA for possible assistance?

• Contact 603 Legal Aid
• Apply online any time at https://www.603legalaid.org/apply-for-legal-aid
• Apply by phone at 1-800-639-5290 or 603-224-3333 Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• NHLA can potentially help with
• Application denials
• Termination of assistance
• Appealing disconnection notices
• Negotiating repayment arrangements
• Visit www.nhla.org and www.603legalaid.org to learn more about other services

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�COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS�& WINTER FUN�

Deanna Jones, Executive Director, The Thompson Center

Carla Kamel, Community Health Team Care Coordinator, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center�

Woodstock, Vermont

Winter Fun

Yankee Swap & Holiday Gift Basket

• Holiday Special Events and Gift Baskets
• “You are our holidays”

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Winter Fun

Scotland Holiday lights tour, Edinburgh Castle and Live walking tour

• Virtual Travel & Themed Meals
• Beeyonder.com

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Winter Fun

Winter Activities

• Snow Sculpture
• Sleigh Ride
• Creative Arts
• MahJong
• Cribbage
• Ping Pong
• Virtual/Hybrid programs

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Winter Fun

• Meals & Social Connections

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Community Connections�Winter Safety & Support

• Community Care Coordinator / Senior Center connection
• Fuel Assistance
• Benefit Assistance
• Local Grants/Funding
• Ottauquechee Health Foundation
• Town specific foundations
• Thompson Aging at Home Support program�

Resources by State: Vermont

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Vermont Community Action Partnerships

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Vermont Legal Help

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Agencies on Aging

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Resources by State: New Hampshire

New Hampshire Community Action Agencies

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New Hampshire Legal Aid

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New Hampshire Legal Assistance

Utility Programs

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New Hampshire ServiceLink

Resources by State: Maine

Maine Community Action Programs

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Maine Equal Justice Partners

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Pine Tree Legal

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Legal Services for the Elderly

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Agencies on Aging

Breakout Rooms

In the next 20 minutes…

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Share a Resource

What program, service, initiative are you offering to help older adults this winter?

Promotional/Outreach Strategies

How do you share resource information with your community? What have you learned about today that you might want to highlight?

Share a Story

How did you work with another organization to meet a client’s need?

Ask a Question

We’re here to learn from each other!

Thank You for Joining Us!

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to complete our survey now!

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• Contact information �for our presenters and resources will be sent soon.

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• Recorded webinar will be available within 24 hours.

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• Find out more about Upcoming events by visiting: https://agefriendly.community/upcoming-events/

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www.agefriendly.community

tslconaging@gmail.com

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