Home heating help grant applications available to Orange County residents

MONTGOMERY — Orange County residents who need help to pay their home heating expenses, but don’t qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), can apply online to participate in the Orange County Fuel Fund.

Residents can apply for a one-time annual grant for assistance to pay all types of home heating including kerosene, propane, oil, pellets, wood and electric heat. Grant amounts depend on the type of heating fuel used by residents and range from $800 to $1,000. Grants will be paid, upon approval, directly to the resident’s heating provider. Deadline for applications is mid-March 2014, or sooner, if program funding is depleted before that date.

Applications can be completed online at www.ocfuelfund.org. Residents can also download the application form, print it out and mail to: United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, 30 Scott’s Corners Dr., Suite 102, Montgomery, NY 12549, Attention: Orange County Fuel Fund. Or fax the completed form to 845-457-4702.

All applications require documentation for all members of the household. Residents may call United Way to see if they qualify. Once qualification is confirmed, applicants will be asked to submit their applications along with the required documentation.

The application form also can be mailed to an applicant’s home by calling 845-457-4774 ext. 3112.

The Orange County Fuel Fund is a United Way and Orange County Government partnership which reinforces United Way’s commitment to energy initiatives that benefit the community. For more information on how to qualify for the Fuel Fund or HEAP, visit the Web site at www.ocfuelfund.org or call 845-457-4774 ext. 3112.