DHSS Press Release |
Date: July 27, 2005 DHSS-73-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUMMER COOLING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SCAP)
Delaware Health and Social Services/Division of State Service Centers (DHSS/DSSC) will administer the Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP)
| WHAT: | Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP) |
|---|---|
| WHEN: | June 15, 2005 through August 31, 2005 |
| WHY: | Help low-income households pay summer electric bills caused by high costs of running air conditioners and to purchase and install room sized air-conditioners for use in households of low-income people. |
| HOW: | Two components of the SCAP
|
A. AIR CONDITIONER
Eligibility: Households will be eligible if:
They meet income guidelines (200% of poverty)
AND household member is aged 60 years or over, OR
Household has disabled member, OR
Household produces a note from a doctor saying air conditioning is medically beneficiary for health of a household member (i.e., asthma, emphysema, lung diseases, etc)
DISTRIBUTION AND INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONERS
Air conditioners will be purchased from H Construction of Delaware. Applicants must apply for assistance via Catholic Charities by calling:
| New Castle | Kent | Sussex |
| (302) 654-9295 or (302) 654-6474 | (302) 674-1782 | (302) 856-6200 |
- Catholic Charities will fax lists of approved households to DSSC daily.
- DSSC will fax lists of approved clients to H Construction 2 times a week.
- H Construction will prepare for delivery and installation based on list.
- Installation contractor will contact applicant household directly to arrange for installation and delivery.
- Clients will sign off on delivery and installation form.
- Any questions about installation and delivery should be directed to installer.
- Program related questions should be directed to DSSC.
B. ELECTRICITY COMPONENT
Eligibility: Due to limited funds, only households receiving air conditioners or those that received assistance during winter months AND are aged 60 plus.
Application: Same as for air conditioners.
Eligible households may receive up to $200 towards electric costs to help offset cost of running air conditioners during hot, summer months.
NOTE: This program does not provide assistance to households in arrears from winter heating costs. A separate component, the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) can assist eligible households with winter heating bills. That program runs from October 1 - March 31.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
