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One-Time Utility Benefit Available For Some Impacted By COVID-19

The application deadline for the energy assistance program is July 31.
Credit Courtesy of the State of Indiana

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Hoosiers whose jobs were affected by COVID-19 could get access to some help with utility costs.

Those who lost their jobs – or had hours significantly cut back – can receive up to $350 in a one-time benefit to pay their utility bills.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch says the money comes from the federal CARES Act.

“This benefit is available both to individuals that have already received an energy assistance benefit or to new individuals who have not yet applied,” Crouch says.

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana 2020 Two-Way. Text "elections" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and the 2020 election.

Hoosiers can apply for the money and ask about eligibility by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s website.

The application deadline is July 31.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.