Financial assistance provided through this program may include rent, mortgage payments, board and room, utilities, clothing and non-food items.

Assistance is limited to those persons in Douglas County between the ages of 19 and 64-67 (dependent upon when an individual is eligible for Social Security benefits) who are not eligible for other public assistance and/or do not have sufficient income or resources to meet all or part of their shelter needs. Eligibility is based on income and resources. Monthly income and resource guidelines vary based on the number of persons in the household. For example, a one-person household's monthly net income cannot exceed $825.00 and a two-person household's monthly net income cannot exceed $950.00. Households with monthly income that exceeds those amounts are not eligible for assistance.

All General Assistance payments are made directly to the landlord, and/or utility company.

Advises and aids veterans and their dependents in applying for federal benefits through compensation or pension claims. Emergency financial assistance for basic necessities such as rent or utility payments may be available. Can also assists with applications for benefits made available by federal, state or local laws.

Homeless prevention, rental counseling, housing assistance and advocacy to assist persons to avoid homelessness and locate permanent housing.

ELIGIBILITY:
-- Household must have eviction notice (rent) or shut-off notice (utilities - no funds for Black Hills Energy)

-- Household must be at or below 30%-50% of area median income

-- Household must meet both of the following conditions:
No appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified
AND
The household lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in its existing housing (i.e. without this assistance, the household would become homeless)

Energy assistance program for low income households with assistance paying part of fuel bills through the winter months (Federal Fuel Assistance Program). Applications are accepted November-April. For those that are elderly or disabled, applications are accepted October-April. Call for an appointment. A letter has been sent to those who may be eligible for early application in August or September.

**This program is not designed to pay a household's total energy costs. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. This is a one-time payment to your energy provider.

INCOME MAXIMUMS (200% of federal poverty guidelines):
Household size annual gross income
1 $30,120
2 $40,880
3 $51,640
4 $62,400
5 $73,160
6 $83,920

Each additional household member add $10,760

Energy assistance program for low income households with assistance paying part of fuel bills through the winter months (Federal Fuel Assistance Program). Applications are accepted November-April. For those that are elderly or disabled, applications are accepted October-April. Call for an appointment. A letter has been sent to those who may be eligible for early application in August or September.

**This program is not designed to pay a household's total energy costs. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. This is a one-time payment to your energy provider.

INCOME MAXIMUMS (200% of federal poverty guidelines):
Household size annual gross income
1 $30,120
2 $40,880
3 $51,640
4 $62,400
5 $73,160
6 $83,920

Each additional household member add $10,760

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) assists low-income homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. Also encourages households to make regular utility payments, to promote energy awareness and to encourage reduction of energy usage. All customers applying for this prgram will simultaneously be making an application for weatherization assistance as required by state law.

Assistance is based on household income. size, type of fuel, and type of housing. Applications accepted October 1-April 30 for the elderly and disabled households and November 1-April 30 for the rest of the households.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides supplemental help for the winter heating bills November 1st through April 30th. Those over 60 or disabled may apply for the season starting in October.

LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, when funding is available, may help with disconnect notices, furnace repair or furnace replacement for homeowners. Crisis assistance is dependent upon funding availability and may be available between April - October.

May have some crisis funding available outside the normal LIHEAP months with local funding, call local County Outreach Office for availability of funding.

Advises and aids veterans and their dependents in applying for federal benefits through compensation or pension claims. Emergency financial assistance for basic necessities such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and food may be available. Can also assists with applications for benefits made available by federal, state or local laws.

Provides assistance to individuals and families in Clay County who need help with rent, utility bills, and burial services.

The program is designed to provide short-term emergency assistance to persons who are experiencing a financial crisis and are unable to be supported by their own means, relatives, or other public and private sources and cannot obtain assistance from any other source. It is not intended to provide on-going, long term aid to any individual or family. Must meet current income and resource guidelines to be eligible for assistance.