September 22nd, 2008
Worried about heating costs this winter? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with gas and electric expenses. You may be eligible for assistance if your monthly household income is up to $1,300 for an individual; $1750 for a two-person household; $2,200 for a three-person household; and $2,650 for a four-person household.
This is a need-based program, so you’ll have to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify. Start gathering records: you’ll need proof of income for the past 30 days and Social Security cards for all people who live in the home, your utility bills, your lease or mortgage payment book, and if you have one, your Medicare card, Link Card, or WIC info.
The program is adminstered by local agencies on a first-come, first-served basis. People who are facing disconnection of their utilities may apply beginning in October; all others in November.
ore more information on the program or to find your local office, visit www.lihealillinois.com or call the Keep Warm Illinois hot line at 877-411-9276.
Tags: , energy assistance, LIHEAP, senior citizen heating bills
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September 16th, 2008
Chicago-area counties in addition to Cook were declared disaster areas Monday. Gov. Rod Blagojevich made the declaration in an effort to help seniors and other residents in DuPage, DeKalb, Kane, Grundy, LaSalle and Will counties qualify for assistance with the costs of clean-up, repair and renovation.
Seniors and others who sustained property damage from last weekend’s record rainfall and subsequent flooding should note that any assistance from state or federal sources may be a long time coming. Officials said the process can take up to a year to complete. The first step is to notify your city, village, or township officials of the damage.
Keep all receipts for expenses associated with flood damage. While financial aid may be available in the future, right now the priority should be on removing wet furniture, carpeting, drywall, and insulation, and taking steps to dry out the home as soon as possible, before mold takes hold.
More detailed information about recovering from a flood in your home can be found at www.redcross.org/static/file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf.
Tags: Chicago, Chicago-area, disaster area, flood assistance, flood damage, seniors
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September 15th, 2008
Record rainfall this weekend has left portions of the city and suburbs in a state of emergency. According to one official, 90 billion gallons of rain water fell beginning Friday. A flood warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect through this morning.
Seniors and others needing assistance related to the continued flood threat may contact the American Red Cross, which has set up several shelter locations throughout the city and suburbs over the weekend. Shelter locations include the Des Plaines Park District, 515 E. Thacker Street; St. Stevens Lutheran Church, 14700 S. Kildare Ave in Midlothian; Mount Carmel School, 1101 N. 23rd Ave. in Melrose Park; and North Park College, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago.
Local fire departments will assist those who must evacuate. City officials have asked that residents use the non-emergency number when calling for assistance, unless a life-threatening situation exists.
Many roadways remain closed today, and drivers are reminded that running water presents a significant hazard. Do not attempt to drive through flooded streets, even if they appear passable, if running water is present. Check local newscasts before traveling today to ensure your planned route is accessible.
Gov. Rod Blago Blagojevic declared a state of emergency in Cook County yesterday. As a result, the city and many suburbs will receive assistance with emergency response efforts.
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September 10th, 2008
Welcome to the new CSN 50 and Better blog. Check back often for news and updates between print issues of Chicagoland’s Senior News. You can also subscribe to this blog to be notified when updates are posted.
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