PROGRAM INFORMATION
CURRENT 2023/2024 SEASON SCHEDULE
Oct. 2, 2023 - Online application opens.
Nov. 1, 2023 - Benefit notifications to applicants. In-person appointments begin, but not required. Submit applications electronically, email, mail, or drop off.
Dec. 1, 2023 - Moratorium begins. Eligible EAP clients cannot be disconnected.
March 15, 2024 - End of moratorium.
May 20, 2024 - End of EAP application period.
Please call our EAP extension at any time if you have questions:
317-842-2603, x 205
APPLICATION TIMELINE
If you are eligible, benefits payments typically go out starting November 1.
Beginning December 1, 2023, eligible EAP applicants cannot be disconnected from receiving electric or gas service. This is called moratorium, which runs until March 15, 2024. If you receive energy assistance, you must renew your application every year. Contact your local service provider to re-apply and to find out what documents you need.
October 2, 2023: Applications open. Go ONLINE for Hamilton County to: gsnlive.org, or contact eap@gsnlive.org / 317-842-2603 X205 for more information, or visit: EAP.ihcda.in.gov.
November 1, 2023: Benefit notifications to applicants and vendors begin. In-person appointments begin. Appointments are not required to apply – you can email (eap@gsnlive.org) or mail (12933 Parkside Dr, Fishers, IN 46038) your application as well.
December 1, 2023: Energy moratorium begins. Eligible EAP clients cannot be disconnected from utility service.
March 15, 2024: Energy moratorium ends. If you energy bill is not current as of this date, you could be disconnected.
May 15, 2024: Last day to apply for EAP for this funding cycle.
HOW DO I APPLY?
For Hamilton County, apply online by visiting: gsnlive.org, or contact eap@gsnlive.org / 317-842-2603 X205 for more information, or visit: EAP.ihcda.in.gov.
If you have a disconnected utility, received a notice for disconnection, or you are almost out of fuel, please call 317-842-2603 x205 immediately, as you may be eligible for a crisis benefit.
GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) will be accepting applications for the Program Year 2023-2024 sometime during the early Fall. However, the program officially begins November 1. If you are about to be disconnected or are already disconnected, you are advised to contact (GSN) for an appointment rather than applying online.
If you have not received an EAP application, you can call our EAP office at 317-842-2603, x 205 to request an application be mailed to you, or you can pick up one at our NORTH office.
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is one of several programs and services available thru Good Samaritan Network in Hamilton County. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides one-time financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season.
Use this site to complete an application and confirm required documents that must accompany your application. Please be sure to review your eligibility and income limits. Also be clear about your privacy and disconnect options.
Hamilton County Energy Assistance Program
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EAP EMAIL: eap@gsnlive.org
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EAP PHONE: 317-842-2603, x 205
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FAX: 317-842-4766
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program provides one-time financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. During cold winter months, this program helps prevent utility companies from shutting off home heating services to low-income families.
Homeowners and renters including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent can apply. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member,18 years of age or older.
Heating and electric bills can be difficult to pay. For moderate to low income households, apply to see if Good Samaritan Network (EAP) can help! Benefit amounts vary based on application details.
You can apply for assistance in the following ways:
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Download and Print a PDF Application here, then:
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Email your completed application to eap@gsnlive.org
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Fax your completed application to 317-842-4766
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Drop Off or Mail your completed application to:
Good Samaritan Network
Client Assistance Office:
13053 Parkside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
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Call 317-842-2603, x 205 to request an application be mailed to you
Or
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Apply online with the State at https://ihcda.rhsconnect.com/
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Apply through the Mobile App EAPConnect
How long will it take before I get my benefit?
It may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible, and it may take an additional 30 days for the utility company to process your benefit.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAY YOUR UTILITY BILLS while waiting for your EAP benefit to appear on your account.
WINTER ASSISTANCE
Winter Assistance Program
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Funds are applied directly to the person’s energy account (no cash is given).
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An Energy Assistance Program recipient is protected from having their regulated utility disconnected between December 1 and March 15.
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DO NOT mail in an application IF you have an actual DISCONNECT notice. Instead, contact your trustee office for immediate assistance BEFORE Nov. 1. AFTER Nov. 1 contact GSN.
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Processing applications may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible (after November 1), and it may take an additional 30 days for the utility company to process your benefit. You will receive a letter in the mail or by email advising you of your benefit.
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PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAY YOUR UTILITY BILLS while waiting for your EAP benefit to appear on your account.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Activities and Funding
This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat which includes, but is not limited to:
• Oil
• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Kerosene
• Wood
• Coal
If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:
• Duke Electric LED bulbs
• Vectren & Citizens Gas bills
Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1 thru May 16 - except when the cost of heating is included in the rent.
Eligibility and Timeline Details
There are a variety of factors that impact the eligibility of a household. Eligibility determination is based on three months of income. (Monthly Income and Annual Income listings are reference only.)
You may be eligible for energy assistance if you make less than the income limits listed below:
You can also contact the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866) 674-6327, if you need help figuring out what is available in your community. There may be other programs operated by your local LIHEAP office, utility company, or other charities to help you pay your energy bill.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Required Information - No Exceptions
PROVIDE COPIES ONLY - NO ORIGINALS
NOTE: Make your own COPIES of any required documents BEFORE arriving at GSN. Missing documents will DELAY the process and postponed receipt of your application.
GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK OF HAMILTON COUNTY is your local service provider.
Please submit your application to Good Samaritan Network - who is administering EAP on behalf of Area IV in Hamilton County.
• If you do not know who your local service provider is, you may identify them by dialing 2 -1-1 or by visiting http://eap.ihcda.in.gov. It should also be listed on the front of the application.
• Please submit the following documents with your application (copies ONLY):
1. Photo ID for the person completing and signing the application.
2. Proof of SSN for each member of the household. This may be:
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Copy of Social Security card.
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Copy of a valid U.S. passport.
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Copy of a valid state-issued REAL ID.
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Copy of a pre-printed federal form, such as correspondence from the Social Security Administration or a W-2, that contains the person’s name and full, unredacted SSN.
3. Current documentation of income for all household members age 18 or over. This may include:
Employment/wages
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Most recent paystub
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Request for Earnings information form – contact GSN.
Social Security/SSI/VA benefits
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Most recent award letter (may be downloaded from online)
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Bank statement
Pension/retirement
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Award letter
Self-Employment
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Most recent Form 1040 tax return, with all appropriate self-employment schedules.
Unemployment Benefits
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Completed release of information form for DWD.
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Full print-out of your most current Uplink statement.
Alimony/spousal support/Worker’s Compensation/Private disability
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Any documentation of payments received
Odd Jobs/irregular income/No Income
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Completed Income Verification form – contact GSN.
4. Current, complete bills for your electric, heating, and water/wastewater utilities.
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If you heat with bulk deliverable fuel, provide most recent delivery receipt.
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If utilities are included in your rent, please provide a completed Landlord Affidavit..
Depending on household circumstances, additional documentation may be required.
DISCONNECTS
Disconnect Note
After November 1st, please contact Good Samaritan Network for all DISCONNECTS.
However, UNTIL November 1st, if you are actually in DISCONNECT, you will contact your Trustees office for immediate assistance. Actual DISCONNECTS are shown at the top right corner of your statement, or online at the due date.
Again, AFTER November 1st, if you are about to be disconnected or are already disconnected, you are advised to contact your Good Samaritan Network for an appointment rather than applying online.
If you are in DISCONNECT, please do not apply online or mail your application! A mail-in application may take too long to process to prevent being disconnected! Please call (317-842-2603) and make an appointment.
What other kinds of Utility Assistance is available?
If you are seeking additional assistance with utilities, or need help more quickly than EAP is able to provide, please apply for EAP, then look into the following resources:
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Township Trustee
Water assistance is now available through the Water Assistance Program.
APPLICATIONS
PDF Applications
Click the above PDF button/link to download and print your energy assistance ENGLISH application for completion by hand. Review the information needed, write the application information clearly, sign your application and provide copied documents with the application. Then email, fax, drop off or mail the application.
Another option is to register ONLINE with the State. Click the above link to complete your energy assistance application directly ONLINE with the State. Follow the steps listed. You will be required to register and create a password.
Use a PDF to complete the application, provide copied documents as requested here and mail to Good Samaritan Network as soon as possible:
Good Samaritan Network
12933 Parkside Dr.
Fishers, IN 46038
Reminders
Documents
Be sure you have included all required documents with your application before submitting it. Missing documents will delay the processing of your application.
Scanning
If you scan documents to be attached to a fax or email. Be sure the scan is clear and readable. Documents that cannot be clearly printed, or won't print, will delay the processing of your application.
Email Providers
Recognize that some email providers have size limitations, and often including attachments can delay email delivery.
EAP ASSISTANCE and OFFICE HOURS
Assistance and Office Hours
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All Hamilton County Energy Assistance calls can be made directly to
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Good Samaritan Network
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Client Assistance Office: 13053 Parkside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
317-842-2603 x205
Monday – Friday 9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
(A skeleton staff may be available during specified after-hours and holidays.) -
Appointments will be available ONLY for clients that are in actual DISCONNECT (shown at the top right corner of your statement/invoice, or online at the due date).
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All other applications -with required documents- must be mailed-in, dropped off, or emailed (when scanning documents to email, please be sure they are clear scans and size appropriate, before attaching)
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You may also apply online https://ihcda.rhsconnect.com
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Hamilton County EAP Email: eap@gsnlive.org
PRIVACY - APPEAL - INFORMATION
Appeal
Click here to access information regarding your appeal rights and rights to a timely processing of your Energy Assistance Program application.
Informational Links
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
Low Income Energy Assistance Info
Office of Community Services Info
Federal Social Services Funding (EAP)
National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline - (866) 674-6327
You can also contact the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866) 674-6327 if you need help figuring out what is available in your community. There may be other programs operated by your local LIHEAP office, utility company, or other charities or nonprofits to help you pay your energy bill.
Federally Funded
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a United States federal social services program first established in 1981 and funded annually through Congressional appropriations.
EAP Management
The State of Indiana manages EAP policy and operations. Public comment is welcome during a specific "public comment period" as announced and scheduled. Contact the State of Indiana EAP for details.
Hamilton County
Energy
Assistance
Program
Meeting People At Their Need
The Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season for Hamilton County families.
The program assists people from November 1st of each year until May 15 of the following year.
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Financial Assistance