11.1.02

Heat Aid guidelines broadened for 2002-2003 winter

The Metropolitan Utilities District and the Salvation Army have broadened the guidelines for natural gas customers seeking help from the District's Heat Aid Fund. The revised guidelines include:

• Recipients must have received a shut off notice and unable to qualify for assistance under other governmental programs.
• The applicant must reside in the District's service area, be age 60 or older and disabled or show a crisis need.
• No more than $500 per household in a heating season.
• Applicants have to work with the Salvation Army on general budgeting skills and have a consistent payment history.

Applicants who receive significant assistance from other agencies may not be eligible for Heat Aid. Aid is not available until December 1 and continues until April 15. The Salvation Army asks people to refrain from calling about applications until December 1.

If you need help to pay heating bills, the first step is to contact the Nebraska Energy Assistance Program at 402.595.3608.

The Heat Aid Fund was established by M.U.D. in 1983 and is administered by the Salvation Army. The Fund has served more than 20,000 older and physically/mentally challenged customers since its inception.

There are three easy ways to give:

1. Make a monthly pledge to add a specific sum to your monthly bill -- $2, $3, $5, $10 or whatever you prefer. Call 554.6666 or fill out the pledge form below and mail to Heat Aid Fund, Metropolitan Utilities District, 1723 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68102-1960.
2. Add $1 or $5 to your regular monthly M.U.D. payment. Those amounts are built into the billing system so payments of $1 or $5 more than the amount due automatically go to the Heat Aid Fund. Your contribution will be acknowledged on your next bill.
3. Mail contributions directly to: Heat Aid Fund, Salvation Army, 3612 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131. Your gift will be acknowledged.

Donors of $10 or more receive a rain gauge.

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