2017 ENERGY ASSISTANCE POLICY St. Vincent de Paul & The Salvation Army’s Process and Procedure
Once Brown County Human Services is out of all available funding sources for energy assistance, St Vincent DePaul or The Salvation Army may be able to assist without a referral form. The Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul will meet with the client and assist, as policy indicates and as funds are available, with up to a maximum of $300/household per season. “Electric only” households may only apply for assistance from SVdP. St Vincent de Paul will assist with electric heating costs with lease for documentation up to $300 or without lease documentation up to $100.
***** CLIENTS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS *****
WPS disconnection notice (both pages 1 and 2 of the most recent bill are required). Receipt(s) or Confirmation Number for payment(s) made toward the “Minimum Payment Option” (MPO) that brings the amount needed to avoid disconnection or to reconnect service, down to $300.00 or less ($100.00 for eligible “electric only” households without lease for documentation, $300 for eligible “electric only” households with lease). Client/customer must have made a minimum payment of $25.00 within the last 30 days Verification of household income for the past 3 months, **which may include Tax Refund/Form verification and Student Financial Aid Award Letter** (household must have verifiable income in order to be eligible for assistance). Picture ID for individual whose name is on the WPS bill/account. Social Security Number and birthdate verification for all members of the household. Verification of successful completion of “Credit When Credit is Due” and 3 months of budget counseling, or equivalent, if household received a referral from SVdP or TSA during the previous season. Provide lease if electric only to verify type of heating costs.
Reasons St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army may refuse to assist with a payment:
Client is unable to provide all of the required documents. Amount required to reconnect service or avoid disconnection exceeds amount of assistance available. Client’s name is not listed on WPS bill or the person seeking assistance is not an authorized representative on the account. Household does not have sufficient income to maintain a payment plan. Poor payment history. Agency Staff has otherwise determined that the client is not eligible for financial assistance (upon review by supervisor). Client was referred to Catholic Charities’ “Credit When Credit is Due” course and 3 months of budget counseling during the 2016 season and failed to complete it or an equivalent program. Client already received assistance from SVdP or TSA during the current season. Client receives a housing/rent subsidy, which includes a monthly utility stipend.
Revised 03/15/2017
St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army Energy Assistance Hours At St. Vincent de Paul, clients will be seen on a walk-in basis during the hours listed below. Scheduled appointments are available only if there is a verifiable work or school schedule conflict with both agencies’ walk- in hours. “Electric only” households must apply for assistance through SVdP. At The Salvation Army, clients will be seen on a walk-in basis during the hours listed below. There will also be a very limited number of scheduled appointments available at TSA. If these are filled, clients will be seen on the walk-in basis only. Service will be provided on a first come, first serve basis at both agencies during the walk-in hours. Non-English speaking clients are encouraged to bring an adult interpreter with them. Due to the number of people applying, please plan for an extensive waiting time. Both agencies reserve the right to limit the number of walkins seen each day.
St. Vincent de Paul 920 Weise St (435-4040 ext 220)
The Salvation Army 626 Union Court (497-7053 ext 2626)