ENERGY ASSISTANCE POLICY 2009

St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army

Process and Procedure

 

·        If client makes initial contact with St. Vincent de Paul or The Salvation Army, refer the customer to the ICS Energy Assistance Program.

 

·        After client receives assistance (if eligible) from ICS and if still in need of funds to avoid disconnection or to reconnect, client should be referred to St. Vincent de Paul's Personal Service Center and The Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance Department with verification of assistance received from ICS.  Clients deemed "over the income", may then contact The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul for assistance once the balance needed to avoid disconnection or to reconnect services is $ 200.00 or less.  A minimum payment of $25.00 must be made by the client prior to requesting assistance from SVdP and/or TSA. 

 

NO ONE WILL BE SEEN  WITHOUT A WRITTEN REFERRAL FROM ICS.

 

·        The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul will meet with the client and assist as the policy indicates and as funds are available.

 

The client will need to provide the following documents:

 

·        referral for assistance from ICS's Energy Assistance Program

 

·        printout of payment history and EAP benefits received from ICS

 

·        picture ID for individual whose name is on the WPS bill

 

·        Social Security Cards for all household members

 

·        verification of household income

 

·        WPS disconnection notice

 

·        receipt for payments made toward amount required to avoid disconnection/reconnect service (must make minimum payment of $25.00)

 

Reasons either St. Vincent de Paul or The Salvation Army may refuse a partial payment:

 

• client is unable to produce any of the above documents

 

• amount required to reconnect service or avoid disconnection exceeds amount of assistance available

 

• WPS bill is not listed in client's name

 

• client has insufficient income to maintain their payment plan

 

• caseworker has otherwise determined that the client is not eligible for financial assistance (upon review by supervisor)

 

• client was referred to Catholic Charities' "Credit When Credit is Due" course and 3 months of budget counseling during the 2008 season and failed to complete. 

The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul will only see clients for Energy Assistance after an initial consultation for Energy Assistance has been completed with Integrated Community Services.

 

 A limited number of slots are available for appointments or walk-ins at St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army. Clients are seen on a first come, first served basis.