Families who need it can get heating help

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority has announced dates for the 2017-18 Winter Assistance Program through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. The program began Nov. 1 and concludes May 18, 2018.

Applications are being accepted by community-based organizations under contract with IHCDA. These 21 community organizations referred to as Local Service Providers cover all 92 Indiana counties. Individuals seeking assistance can apply in person or online beginning Nov. 9.

The Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corp. (www.sieoc.org) serves both Franklin and Ripley counties. It has two offices: 528 Main St., Brookville; and 110 Importing St., Aurora.

The toll-free phone number is 888-292-5475.

The LIHEAP Block Grant is a noncompetitive, federally funded block grant offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain their home utility services.

During the 2016-17 winter assistance period that ended on May 13, a total of 101,300 households were served and received an average benefit of $510.

Upcoming 2017-18 Energy Assistance Program dates: Dec. 1 -- Clients with active service and have approved EAP applications are protected from disconnection through March 15, 2018; March 15, 2018 -- moratorium protection ends; utility companies will begin disconnecting services that are not current; May 18, 2018 -- winter benefit ends; last day for clients to apply or complete a pending application.