Energy assistance through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low income households pay their primary heat source bills. Energy payments are determined by family size and gross income, and by whether a household is classified as "vulnerable". Vulnerable households have a member who is under age 6, who is age 60+, or who is any age and disabled. INCOME GUIDELINES: Household with income at or below 60% of the State Median Income. A vulnerable household as defined above may qualify for a higher basic benefit. BASIC BENEFIT (for all primary heat source households): From $180-430, depending on income, or $230-530, if there is a vulnerable person as defined above in the household. CRISIS BENEFIT (for deliverable fuel heated households): Available for eligible households that heat with a deliverable fuel (oil, wood and wood pellets, propane, kerosene, coal). Eligible deliverable fuel heated households that are unable to secure primary heat and are eligible for energy assistance will be eligible to receive a Crisis Assistance benefit of $410. During the program year, all eligible households may receive a first Crisis Assistance benefit as well as a second Crisis Assistance benefit if needed. All eligible households at Level 1 (At or below 125% of federal poverty guideline) and Level 2 (households from 126% to 200% of the federal poverty guideline) may receive a third Crisis Assistance benefit. Eligible vulnerable households at Level 1 and Level 2 may also receive a fourth Crisis Assistance benefit during the program year.RENTAL ASSISTANCE BENEFIT: For households up to 60% of the state median income guidelines whose heat is included in their rent: $75-125, depending on income level. ASSET LIMIT: There is no Liquid Assets Test for the 2023-2024 CEAP program year. PRIORITIZED SERVICE:Deliverable fuel heated households who are either without heating fuel, or within one week of being without heating fuel at the time of application, will be eligible to receive prioritized services, including prompt eligibility processing. Households applying under these circumstances will receive a fuel delivery authorization within 18 hours after determination of eligibility. APPLICATION:By appointment, unless noted. Applicants may apply through their local Community Action Agency or online here: www.ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply. Households must apply EVERY YEAR. If they have received an application form in the mail from DSS, they must call and make an appointment and take their form to their application site when they have their appointment. People who are homebound have the option of applying by mail. Receiving an application in the mail does NOT mean that the household has applied.2023-2024: TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH OIL AND OTHER DELIVERABLE FUELS:09/01/23: First day that households can begin to apply for CEAP. 11/01/23: First day for authorization of fuel deliveries (oil, wood and wood pellets, propane, kerosene, coal). 04/01/24: Deadline for deliverable fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits, Crisis Assistance, or Safety Net Assistance, for clients already awarded CEAP benefits. 05/31/24: Last day to apply for CEAP. 06/17/24: Last day for submission of deliverable fuel bills.2023-2024: TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH ELECTRICITY OR GAS:09/01/23: First day that households can begin to apply for CEAP. 05/31/24: Last day a household heated with gas or electricity can apply.