Free Caregiver Resource eBook: 8/26/12 Only!

Very important for those who are caregivers or know they will be one day soon.

 On 8/26/12 from 12 AM to 11:59 PM, my “Taking Care of Mom and Dad” eBook will be free on Amazon.com!

You don’t need a Kindle to get it – a PC, Android, or any number of eReaders will do just fine. Amazon has a free download for you to use. Download the reader and then download the eBook!

This book is regularly $6.99. If you have a need or know any followers that need help with caregiving, please share/tweet/google+ or do whatever you need to. I am happy to give this away for one day.

In order to get the eBook, click on the icon to the right or right here: http://amzn.to/KxtD7B 

Help with Utility Bills in this Summer Heat

***I’m sorry I have been out of pocket for several days. An old back injury has had me under the weather.****

It was announced last week that LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds were released by the President. This is for any person who meets certain guidelines in order to pay their summer heating bill. The funds are not always released during the summer but this year, they have been. One of the categories is for seniors 60 years old and older or any disabled adult. There are other target markets who are eligible to apply as well. This website: http://www.liheap.org/
is incredible! Go there, click on yours or your loved one’s state and information specific to that state will appear including income guidelines, where to apply, how to apply, and what to bring. It may or may not tell you when – but simply call the number listed in that area and ask when the first day to apply will be. They will tell you. Generally, it is between July 9 and August 1.

This year, in Oklahoma, applications will begin on July 9 at the local OKDHS offices. It is on a first come, first served basis so you must go quickly and early on the first day because they only have so much money.

The money – $150 for one person and $200 for a two-person household, is paid directly to the electric company. If there is less bill than allotment, it will carry over to the next month until the funds are spent. This money is meant to encourage seniors and others to use air conditioning in order to stay healthy!

Go check it out now!!

The Weather is Hot and the Bills are High!

How do you help your parents stay cool when electricity has become so costly?

It Hot Out There!

They keep the temp in their home at 80, not because they are cold but because they cannot afford the bill. There may be help available. It is called ECAP. Energy Crisis Assistance Program. It may also be called LIHEAP, depending on what part of the country you live in. LIHEAP stands for Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low income individuals stay happy and healthy in their own homes by paying part of the energy bill. The payment is generally around $200. One time during the summer and one time during the winter, not on a monthly basis. The first Monday in December is usually the time to apply for winter help and you must apply each time. LIHEAP is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes, and U.S. Territories.

If you would like to help your parent apply this is what you will need:
Recent copies of the utility bills.

A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows current gross income.

Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.

Final Utility Termination Notice (if you’ve received a shut-off notice from your energy company).

Proof of present address (e.g., rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill).

Proof of total members living in your household (e.g., birth certificates, school records, etc.).

Social Security cards (or numbers) for all persons living in your household.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

The most important thing to remember is that ECAP/LIHEAP is not guaranteed. It is available only if the President releases the funds. They are given out on a first come/first served basis.

It is also important to remember that these funds will be paid directly to the company and not to the applicants.

Go to this link to see where to apply in your loved ones state: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/grantees/states.html

If you cannot get the link to work, call 1-866-6746327 Monday thru Friday from 7:00AM – 5:00PM Mountain time.

I believe funds will be released this year (2011) on July 11 and you must check with your state’s application facility to see how you can apply.

You can read more about it here: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html