KCCW-FuelAssistance

FUEL ASSISTANCE
KEEPING CUMBERLAND COUNTY WARM FUND

If you live in Scarborough and need help heating your home, and if you meet the income eligibility criteria, the Keeping Cumberland County Warm fund can help.

>>about the Keeping Cumberland County Warm fund.

Building on our longstanding partnership, Project GRACE and the Town of Scarborough are working together to help our neighbors in Scarborough apply for fuel assistance from the KCCW fund.

For questions about eligibility or help applying, Scarborough residents can call Project GRACE at 883-5111. We check messages regularly, two or three times a week. You can also email us.

883-5111

>> Download KCCW Application Form (PDF)

Download Application

HOW it WORKS

1. YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY IF :

You need help with your current heating bill.
You rent or own a home in Scarborough, Maine
Your total annual household income is within the guidelines. Gross annual household income must fall above the income thresholds of GA & LHEAP but not more than the 300% Federal Poverty Guidelines. (See chart below.)

2. HOW TO APPLY

Pick up a paper application at Scarborough Town Hall or the Scarborough Public Library or download and print the application here.
Return your completed application along with the supporting documents to Project GRACE at one of our scheduled meetings at the Scarborough Public Library (dates and times).
You can also call 883-5111 to complete an application over the phone; we will then schedule a follow up appointment tat the library to review your application and supporting documents, and verify your eligibility.

INCOME GUIDELINES

* Income totals are for the whole household, including salaries or wages, social security or disability payments, pension income, etc.

3. DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

When you meet with Project GRACE to review your application, please bring documents to verify your income (W-2, most recent IRS tax filing, pay stubs, documentation of child support, social security or retirement statements, etc.) for all people in your household.
We will also need to verify your residency in Scarborough. Photo ID preferred, current property tax or utility bill also ok.
If you heat with electric, we'll need a copy of your current utility bill from CMP or Unitil etc. AND one from before October so that the county can see the seasonal increase in your utility bill.

KCCW FUEL ASSISTANCE Q&A

Who is eligible to apply? If you own or rent in Scarborough, and if you cannot afford to heat your home, and if you meet income eligibility requirements, you may apply through Project GRACE.

What if I don't live in Scarborough? Residents of other towns in Cumberland County must apply through their own town. If your town is not participating in the KCCW program, contact 211 Maine for resources in your area.

What kind of fuel assistance can I get? The KCCW fund will help with home heating oil, K-1, propane, firewood or wood pellets, or utility bills for electric or natural gas heat. If you are heating with electric or natural gas, your bills must clearly show the seasonal increase between normal usage and winter heating usage.

How long does it take to get help? Once our volunteers have spoken with you, and we have the required documentation and a signed application, it can take a few days to schedule a delivery. If possible, please apply before your tank gauge dips below 1/8th so there is time to schedule a delivery and avoid restart fees.

When can I apply? You can apply now through April 10th. Applications will be accepted until the $50,000 cap is met or April 10th, whichever is soonest. Once the cap is met, we will stop accepting applications.

Does the KCCW fund pay overdue balances? No. We cannot authorize a payment for past due bills, but you should still talk to us about your situation.

Will you give me money directly through Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, etc.? No. Payments are made only to the oil company, utility company, etc. to credit your account or pay for a delivery by one of our usual approved vendors. The Town of Scarborough makes the payment and get reimbursed by the County.

How is the KCCW money funded? Cumberland County commissioners are spending American Rescue Plan Act funds to help low- to middle-income county residents who are struggling to pay their heating bills. More info here.

I don't qualify for this program, where else can I look for heating assistance? Visit our fuel assistance resources page for more info. If you live in Scarborough, give us a call at 883-5111. Or call 211-Maine for help finding more resources.

I still have questions - who can I talk to? If you live in Scarborough, call Project GRACE at 883-5111 to speak with one of our friendly volunteers.

TIPS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR HOME WARM

It doesn't have to cost a lot to keep warm. Did you know draft stops are effective and easy-peasy to make? A few small and inexpensive changes can help keep your home snug and family warm this winter. >>MORE TIPS

Check out these tips! You can get a copy of Efficiency Maine's tips booklet at the Scarborough Public Library - they're free!