Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
About this service
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps households pay for heat and electric bills. Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), EAP provides a one-time annual benefit to help with high energy costs. This benefit can also provide support if you are disconnected or facing disconnection. Please note: the benefit will not cover all annual heating and electricity costs, so you should continue paying your bills regularly. NWIRA will assist with applications for Lake, Jasper, Newton and Porter counties.
Application Dates and Times
Monday: Telephone applications all-day appointments, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday: The Excel Center , Gary, 4601 W. Ridge Road, Gary, IN 46408, Appointments only, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday Evening: Telephone applications, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thursday & Friday: Urban League of NWI, 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409, Appointments only, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
For appointments or questions, call (219) 750-1206.
Staff can help schedule appointments, confirm pick-up and drop-off locations, and advise on Saturday application availability.
FAQs
Am I Eligible?
Indiana households that make 60% of the state median income (60 SMI) or less may qualify for these benefits. See below for a detailed breakdown of income qualifications. See below for a detailed breakdown of income qualifications.
Where Can I Apply?
Applications can be picked up from The Excel Center, Gary or the Urban League of Northwest Indiana during regular business hours. Completed applications may be dropped off or mailed to:
NWIRA
5233 Hohman Avenue, Suite 104
Hammond, IN 46320You can also email your completed application to nwira2008@gmail.com, or download the forms directly from www.nwira.org.
When submitting by email or drop-off, please send copies only of required documents. Originals cannot be accepted.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Assistance?
It may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible, and after your benefit has been awarded, 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 energy assistance to appear on your account.
If you are receiving a direct pay benefit, it may take up to 120 days from the date of your benefit approval for your payment to be processed and mailed to you. Please allow 120 days from the approval date before you call to check the benefit status.
Required Documents?
When submitting your application, please include:
- Completed EAP application (blue or black ink only)
- Proof of income for every household member aged 18 or older
- 30 days of recent pay stubs, if employed
- 3 months of income proof for fixed income (SSI, SSDI, pension)
- Uplink payment summary, if receiving unemployment
- Tax return for the most recent calendar year, if self-employed
- Undocumented Income Verification Form, if no income
- Current utility bill, including full account information and disconnect notice (if applicable)
- Lease or Tenant Verification Statement with the Direct Benefit Payment Election Form, if utilities are included in rent
- Non-Household Member Declaration Form, if applicable
Application Dates and Times
Monday: Telephone applications, all-day appointments, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday: The Excel Center, Gary, 4601 W. Ridge Road, Gary, IN 46408, Appointments only, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday Evening: Telephone applications, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thursday & Friday: Urban League of NWI, 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409, Appointments only, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
For appointments or questions, call (219) 750-1206.
Staff can help schedule appointments, confirm pick-up and drop-off locations, and advise on Saturday application availability.
