How To Apply For Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Program – The climate of Delaware is humid subtropical with cold winters and hot summers. The state experiences all four seasons distinctly with average summer highs ranging up to 85°F or 29°C and winter lows dropping to 25°F or -4°C. The sweltering summer months bring numerous challenges for the residents including severe health consequences like heat stroke or heat exhaustion and even death. The situation becomes more critical for vulnerable populations like the elderly, the disabled individuals and families with young children.
Fortunately, there are tons of Summer Cooling Assistance Program throughout Delaware that work to safeguard public health while promoting energy affordability and boosting community resilience. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you delve into how you can qualify for the available Delaware summer cooling assistance programs and will walk you through the eligibility criteria and other pertinent information.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Income level, residency status, household size, and participation in government assistance programs determine eligibility for the Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Program.
- Essential documents include proof of income, identity verification, and proof of residency to qualify for the program.
- Steps include confirming eligibility, gathering necessary documents, submitting the application, and following up for approval.
- Delaware LIHEAP (DEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program provide substantial aid to low-income households for cooling and energy efficiency.
- Organizations like Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army offer additional support and resources for energy and utility assistance.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For the Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Programs?
The eligibility requirements for Delaware cooling assistance programs for low-income households may vary depending on your location and the specific program you are applying to. The following are the common criteria that you need to fulfill:
Income Criteria
Delaware Cooling Assistance Programs require applicants to have a strong financial need and meet eligibility criteria set by the program or organization. Individuals are required to meet the annual household income to qualify for summer cooling assistance programs.
Residency Criteria
Delaware residents who are applying for cooling assistance must prove that they are citizens of the United States or lawful residents of Delaware. You also have to provide proof of residency in the form of a lease agreement or utility bills. You need to have a valid legal status such as citizenship, permanent residency or refugee status.
Household Size
A few Delaware cooling assistance programs may require applicants to fulfill the household size criteria. Besides you must demonstrate a strong need for cooling equipment for your household income form of documentation like inspection of inefficient or broken existing equipment.
Participation In Government Assistance Programs
In some cases you can become automatically eligible for the Delaware summer cooling assistance program for instance LIHEAP if you or any of the members of your household have qualified for government assistance programs like TANF, SNAP or Medicare.
Similar to Delaware there are also numerous Virginia cooling assistance programs that you can know in our next guide.
What Are The Documentation Requirements to Qualify For Delaware Cooling Assistance Programs?
The particular documents required to qualify for cooling assistance programs in Delaware may vary depending on your residence, your eligibility, the program and the organization assisting. However, the following are the common types of documents that you have to submit.
Income Verification Documents
- Tax returns
- Recent pay stubs
- Wage statements
- Bank statements
- Proof of participation in government assistance programs like SSI, TANF, SNAP etc.
- Emergency evidence or social worker referrals.
Identity Verification Documents
- State ID Passport
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Citizenship or residency documents to confirm your place of residence and identity.
Proof of Residence and Household Size
- Lease agreement
- Utility bills or any official letter that has been sent to their current address
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Official papers for each member of the household etc.
Special Preferences
Delaware cooling assistance programs provide special preferences or priority to vulnerable populations such as:
- Senior citizens who are 60 years or above in age
- Disabled individuals or those with medical conditions that worsen due to rising temperatures
- Low-income families with young children.
- Households who are experiencing cut-off notices and are unable to pay for their cooling bills must provide proof of their financial hardship to get priority in the program.
Read more about Nyc cooling assistance programs in our next guide.
How To Apply For The Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Programs?
In the below section of the guide, we have mentioned the application process for the Delaware summer cooling assistance programs that will allow eligible households to offset the cost of cooling their homes during the hot summer months.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: The first and foremost step is to verify your eligibility criteria for the program that you are considering. Generally, the eligibility criteria are based on factors like household size, income level and vulnerability, for example disabled, elderly or young children.
- Gather Relevant Documents: The next step is to prepare necessary documents like proof of income, identification and utility bills to demonstrate your eligibility.
- Contact Delaware Department Of Health And Social Services: Applicants are required to obtain and fill out the application form for the summer cooling assistance programs. A few agencies provide online application while some require you to mail the form or visit in-person
- Submit The Application And Follow Up: Once you complete the application and attach the relevant documents, submit it either online in-person or by mail at the designated DHS office or agency. Do not forget to follow up with the administrative agency if you have not heard from them in a while. Once approved you can start receiving cooling benefits.
It is critical to note that the specific application procedure and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the agency or county administering the program. It is important to visit the DHS office or the website of the nonprofit organization you are considering for detailed and accurate information
Low-income families can qualify for many free things from the government.
How To Find the Government Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Programs?
In the below section of the guide, we have covered a few government resources that help with cooling assistance in Delaware.
Delaware Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)
The LIHEAP Cooling Assistance Program in Delaware is known as the Delaware Energy Assistance Program. The program assists low-income households to pay for their energy bills, weatherization services, energy crises and carry out energy-related home repairs at their home.
The program is administered by the Delaware Division of State Services Centers (DSC) on a contractual basis with Catholic Charities Inc. The funding for the program is provided by the US Department of Health and Human under the umbrella of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The DEAP services enable eligible households to reduce their cost of energy-related expenses.
Who Is Eligible For The Program?
The income criteria set at 60% of the Delaware State median income after the local and federal taxes have been deducted. By becoming eligible for the program you can offset the cost of electricity to cool your home during the hot summer months and also get a window air conditioner. Following is the list of income guidelines for the Delaware Energy Assistance Program:
- $30120 for one-person household
- $40880 for two-person household
- $51640 for a three-person household
- $62400 for four-person household
- $73160 for five-person household
- $83920 for a six-person household
- $94680 for seven-person household
- $105440 for eight-person household
- For each additional person, you have to add $10760 for households with more than eight people
A person who participates or has household members participating in government assistance programs like SNAP, SSI or TANF automatically meets the criteria of the program. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure accurate guidelines.
The Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP)
The Summer Cooling Assistance Program is a part of Delaware LIHEAP that operates during the hot summer months of April to September and enables low-income households to get energy-efficient room-sized AC units installed by insured and licensed contractors beginning in May.
Apart from furnace repair or replacement and installation of room-sized AC units eligible households also get customized energy education and eco kits comprising energy-saving items that help them to improve the energy efficiency at their homes.
Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Department provides a free weatherization assistance program to all low-income households to establish energy-saving and comfortable homes. This program is managed through the division of climate, coastal and energy and allows eligible renters and homeowners to reduce their home energy bills by weatherproofing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
A lot of households spend a huge amount of money on utilities as a result of leaky homes, crawl spaces and poorly insulated walls and pipes. Professionals from WAP allow low-income households to fix these issues by assessing the home and providing free weather stripping, energy-efficient light bulbs, insulation and energy saving measures completely free of cost. It is interesting to note that thousands of Delawarians have benefited from WAP and have cut their home energy bill by 30 to 50%.
Who Is Eligible For The Program?
To be eligible for the free air conditioners for low-income families you should be a resident of Delaware. Special preferences are given to senior citizens 60 years or above, those with a disability member or families with children. If you are receiving benefits through SSI or TANF then you become automatically eligible for the program. The income threshold is the same as LIHEAP eligibility.
Want to get free appliances for low-income families? Head to our next blog.
Nonprofit Organizations/ Charities That Help With Delaware Summer Cooling Assistance Programs
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Delmarva Power is dedicated to helping its customers overcome their challenges with utility or electricity bill payments. The organization has partnered with the popular nonprofit organization Salvation Army which offers energy and utility assistance to Delaware customers in Delmarva Power’s service territory.
Customers who are facing financial hardship can apply for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. You can help Delmarva Power customers who need assistance with electricity bills by contributing to the fund.
Delmarva Power matches customer contributions of $1 for every $3 collected up to $70,000. Every time you make a $1 contribution the amount will be reflected on your Delmarva Power bill summary the following month. For more information, you can contact the Salvation Army at 302-472-0750.
Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
Low-income households who are looking for a summer cooling assistance program to pay for the electricity bill or get help with cooling equipment can contact the Delaware Energy Assistance Program.
For more information about how to qualify for assistance you can contact the agency by dialing 215-609-1000 or visiting their official website.
The agency is committed to meeting the energy needs of needy residents and focuses on education, conservation and home repair while reducing the energy cost of households. They provide local community programs including heating crisis support, weatherization, utility bill assistance and so on.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities enables Delaware residents to apply for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and cover the cost of home energy. To participate applicants are required to get in-person appointments with Catholic Charities between July and March of every year and carry the necessary documents to demonstrate their eligibility.
You can get help with eligible heating and cooling sources like electricity, kerosene, gas, oil, propane, wood, natural gas and coal. The nonprofit also assists with a broad range of social service programs. For more information, you can contact Catholic Charities between 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the following locations.
New Castle County Office
2601 W 4th Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
302-654-9295; Fax 302-654-9757
Kent County Office
2099 S DuPont Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901
302-674-1782; Fax 302-531-0850
Sussex County Office
404 S Bedford Street, Suite 9
Georgetown, Delaware 19947
302-856-9578; Fax: 302-856-6332
Energize Delaware’s Home Performance With Energy STAR Program
Energize Delaware’s Home Performance With Energy STAR Program helps households assess and improve their home comfort, durability, energy efficiency and safety. Instead of focusing on one problem such as an inefficient cooling or heating system or drafty windows, this initiative looks at how home improvements can be carried out throughout your home to make your living space energy efficient and comfortable.
To know more details you can contact them at 877-524-1339. After the home assessment, the contractor will install $250 worth energy energy-saving products at no additional cost and help you reduce your home energy bill. The Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program will also help you to minimize your out-of-pocket cost for better energy efficiency improvement in your household.
Chesapeake Utilities
Chesapeake Utilities is a Delaware-based utility company that runs the Share Program under which it offers financial help to the elderly, disabled, low-income individuals or families living on fixed income throughout the state.
The financial assistance is targeted at low-income households who are unable to pay for their utility bills, gas, winter heating or summer cooling costs. This Delaware energy company can also direct disabled, low-income and senior customers to government programs like LIHEAP.
The program is sponsored by customer donations and in addition, matching shareholder contributions are managed by the Salvation Army in Sussex County and administered by Catholic charities in Newcastle and Kent counties Delaware. You can contact the utility company by dialing 302-674-1782 if you belong to Kent County, 302-856-6310 if you belong to Sussex County and 302-654-9295 if you belong to Newcastle County.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies throughout the state of Delaware enable low-income families especially senior citizens with assistance to pay for their summer cooling bills and air conditioning units or free standalone ceiling fans. You must contact your local Community Action agency to get help with fans, AC and summer assistance programs.
Lutheran Community Services
Lutheran Community Services assists low-income residents of Newcastle and Wilmington County Delaware with emergency financial assistance, food and health services programs.
Individuals who are unable to pay for their electric bill including rent, security deposits can turn to their local Lutheran Community Service for assistance. Even though you may not get help with cooling equipment like a fan or standalone ceiling fan you can get help with utility bills if you’re navigating financial hardship.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society works nationwide to help people with utility bills including heating and cooling bills. There are many St. Vincent de Paul Society locations in Wilmington DE that offer help with crisis or utility bills. Their location covers assistance in Kent, Sussex and Newcastle counties.
Operation Share
Delaware Electric Cooperative customers who are living in Sussex or Kent County can get help with utility assistance including cooling electric bill payments through Operation Share.
You can get assistance from this fund only once per year. This fund is administered by the Salvation Army in Wilmington. To get help with utility bills through Operation Share you can contact the Salvation Army by dialing 302-472-0750.
Newark Area Welfare
The Newark Area Welfare provides emergency financial assistance along with utility bills to those who are unable to pay for the utility bills during the hot summer months.
They work only with individuals who are referred to them by the Hudson state service center. In other words, if you need cooling bill assistance especially, especially utility bills you need to reach out to the service center before contacting this nonprofit organization.
Neighborhood House
The Neighborhood House assists low-income families with food, diapers, medical copays, school supplies, holiday gifts, utility bills and many other basic needs.
The organization provides help with financial literacy and budgeting as well. Delaware residents who are unable to pay for their cooling electric bills can contact the organization by dialing 302-658-5404.
Ingleside Homes
Ingleside Homes assists low-income senior citizens in Delaware with their heating or cooling electric bills. To get assistance with utility bills you need to contact Ingleside Senior Service Coordinator by dialing 302217611 ext 2260.
The organization conducts detailed in-home need assessments to uncover other things that can help you with your basic needs. Senior citizens can get help with Medicare counseling and free home repairs as well.
Head to our next guide to know more about the available Fairfax County cooling assistance programs.
Conclusion
To sum up there are many resources that help Delaware residents to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Our guide has listed tons of summer cooling and energy saving assistance programs in Delaware that are geared towards low-income individuals and families and are funded by government organizations, nonprofits and Community Action agencies. Delaware cooling assistance programs help with energy efficiency upgrades, utility bill payment support, installation and purchase of free AC or fans outreach to vulnerable patients, and even repair or replacement of existing cooling equipment. If you are seeking a summer cooling assistance program then you must contact your local government agency, community action agency or nonprofit organization and inquire about the availability of resources including the qualification criteria.
At Get Government Grants we understand how critical free resources and government programs are for low-income families. This is why we have listed supportive programs and community organizations that help people in times of need. Head to our blogs now to find supportive programs that suit your needs.