1. Program Dates
October 1st – November 30th
• Service must be off or in threat of termination.
December 1st – January 31st
• Service must be off.
• Winter Moratorium is in effect December 1st - March 31st for customers at or below
250% FPIG.
February 1st – February 28th
• Service must be off or in threat of termination.
• Utilities will begin issuing termination notices on or after February 1st.
March 1st (Funds Permitting)
• Open status. (No service status requirement)
2. Maximum Grant Amount
All Utility Companies
The maximum grant amount is $500 per utility. If an applicant
needs more than $500 to stop a termination or restore
service, they will need to make the additional payments
before we can assist.
Dollar Energy Fund does not assist customers with Security
Deposits or Reconnection Fees.
3. Income Level
The total gross household income for the last 30 days must be at
or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
• 2012 FPIG will be in effect until January 31, 2013.
• Dollar Energy Fund will adopt the 2013 FPIG on February
1, 2013.
4. Proof of Income
• You must have proof of all sources of income in the home for
the last 30 days before you begin a Dollar Energy Fund grant
application.
• You must calculate income using the gross amount for all
income sources.
5. Acceptable Income Documentation
Department of Public Welfare
• Notice from Caseworker
• Notice to applicant
• Cash recurring benefit inquiry
Wages
• Pay stubs must cover the last 30 days.
• A direct deposit bank statement is not acceptable proof of
wages.
6. Acceptable Income Documentation
Social Security, SSI/SSD or Pension
• Copy of letter from Social Security Administration or Pension
Board
• Direct deposit bank statement
• Benefits statement
7. Acceptable Income Documentation
Self-Employed Individuals
• Information provided to accountant for tax purposes
• Statement on letterhead from accountant
• Pay stubs for sub-contractors
• 1099 form – within thirty days of received
• Tax return – within thirty days of completed. The gross income is
listed on the Schedule C.
If an applicant is unable to provide documented proof of their monthly income, as a
last resort, we will accept a written note from the applicant stating the monthly
amount and source of their income.
Remember to use the gross income before any deductions.
8. Acceptable Income Documentation
Child Support
• Court order
• Printout from Domestic Relations
• Printout from the state child support website
• Written statement (private agreement)
A written statement would need to include the name of the parent
receiving the child support, names of the children, and the monthly
amount being received.
9. Acceptable Income Documentation
Workman’s Compensation or Unemployment
• Award or letter of determination
Interest Income
• Bank Statement
Rental Property
• Copy of lease
• Notarized Statement
10. Claims of Zero Income
• For households claiming no income in the last 30 days,
complete a Zero Income Form in place of proof of household
income.
• If household had income that ended within the last 30 days,
this income is counted. Do not use the zero income form.
• Only one form signed by the applicant is needed. Do not
complete forms for each household member.
11. Sincere Effort of Payment
Gas and Electric Utilities
Applicants need to make payments totaling $150 in the 90
days prior to applying for a grant.
Rate payers 62 years of age or older need to make payments
totaling $100 in the 90 days prior to applying for a grant.
12. Utility Account Balance
All Utility Companies
Applicants must have a balance of at least $100 on their
account in order to apply.
If there is no service status restriction, rate payers 62 years of
age or older may owe less than $100, but may not have an
existing credit.
13. Federal Programs
All applicants who are eligible for Pennsylvania's federal grants must apply for those
programs before applying for a Dollar Energy Fund grant.
LIHEAP November 1, 2012 – March 29, 2013
• Income max 150% FPIG
• Must have an active utility account
Crisis Exception November 1, 2012 – January 1, 2013
• Income max 150% FPIG
• Service must be off
Crisis January 2, 2013 – March 29, 2013
• Income max 150% FPIG
• Service must be off or in threat of termination
14. Valid Reasons for Exceptions
We may approve an exception for a household that does not
meet all eligibility requirements. The exception must be a
reason that sets them apart from other low-income
households.
• High out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Head of household had to quit work to care for a sick family member
• Fire, flood, or other disaster
15. Client Documentation
Please bring the following information to your intake
appointment:
• Proof of all household income for the last 30
• Proof of sincere effort of payment
• Proof of social security numbers for all household members
• The most recent utility bill or termination notice
• A list of current monthly expenses
16. Completing the Process
• As soon as the application is processed, it is available for the utility
to review. As long as the information provided is accurate and
complete, the application should be approved.
• If your service is off, call the utility company in 24-48 hours. The
decision will be noted on your account. If you are approved, you can
make arrangements for restoral.
• If the service is not off, please await the decision by letter or email.
If service is in threat of term, the utility will place a hold on their
account immediately if their application is approved.
