Crisis Assistance Guidelines

Bill must be either a shut off notice, disconnected utilities, or a lack of home delivered fuel notice that is less than 10%.

Uncontrollable Guidelines:

Household has an unanticipated medical or major household expense. Out of pocket expense should exceed 100% of current utility bill. Documentation could include: receipts of payments made to meet this unanticipated medical or major household expense.

Household wage earner with at least a year of stable work history has lost his/her job within the last 12 months. Documentation could include: letter from employer, termination or lay-off notice, UI claims, UI notification of eligibility.

Household wage earner has left the home within the past 45 days. Documentation could include: recent application for family assistance (Families First, Food Stamps), order of protection, police report, revised lease, or other legal documentation.

Death of wage earner within the last 12 months. Documentation could include: obituary, death certificate, and funeral program.

Significant loss of work hours. Documentation could include: letter from employer outlining details of loss of work hours or pay stubs.

Household wage earner is unable to work due to illness and does not receive sick leave or time away from work. Documentation could include a statement from employer.

Household has a non-functioning or malfunctioning heating system.

Child 5 and under in the home.

Elderly- 1 member of household is age 60 or above.

Disabled- 1 member of household is disabled.

Uncontrollable Circumstances must be explained by the client and documented to the extent possible.

Processing Time

All Crisis applications must be accepted in person.  If you are unable to travel, you should contact your local county service center by phone.

If Crisis application is life- threatening, please contact your local county service center.  (Click on the "About" column on the home page for a listing of the County Service Center listings and click your county for specific contact information.)