Seniors in Pennsylvania county can receive heating assistance payments

Northampton County's Area Agency on Aging began accepting referrals for the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program to help older residents with winter heating costs.

The program provides a one-time payment of up to $800 to residents aged 60 and older who live outside the City of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. Of this total, $780 goes directly toward fuel costs while Project of Easton receives $20 for administration.

The county's community and economic development department manages the federal HUD grant that funds these payments. To qualify, applicants must prove they meet income limits and have either exhausted their benefits or been denied help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Staff members from the aging agency conduct home visits to assess the situation of each applicant.

For those using non-oil heating, a shutoff notice serves as evidence of need, while fuel users must show a tank that is no more than 25% full.