Submitted Article
With the program year starting for an energy assistance program and increased eligibility for a prescription drug program, Rep. Tina Pickett (Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) reminded residents they can stop by her satellite office hours during November to inquire about the initiatives.
Pickett will hold satellite hours in Sullivan County on the first and third Wednesdays of the month – Nov. 7 and Nov. 21. Staff will be available in the commissioners’ conference room at the courthouse from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Susquehanna County residents who may need assistance are always encouraged to call Pickett’s staff at (570) 934-2557 anytime during regular business hours.
“The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens for the year on Nov. 1, and we just passed legislation to increase eligibility for the PACENET prescription drug assistance program,” Pickett said. “I encourage anyone who may be in need of heating or prescription drug assistance to stop by or call us for more information.”
At 87 of 2018 increases the annual maximum income limits in the PACENET program to $27,500 for a single person and to $35,500 for a married couple. Previous maximum income requirements for the PACENET program, which covers those individuals with incomes exceeding PACE maximums, were $23,500 for a single individual and $31,500 for a married couple annually.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For example, the income limit for an individual is $18,210; for a couple, the limit is $24,690; and for a family of four, it is $37,650.
In addition to these inquiries, staff can help with such items as Property Tax/Rent Rebate or regular PACE applications. The staff also will have available common brochures on state programs and services. Residents seeking assistance from her Sayre district office are asked to call ahead for an appointment.
Additionally, Pickett announced that the Veterans Services Outreach she hosts in her Sayre office will be held on Friday, Nov. 16. Staffing these hours will be Dominick L. Nati III, a department service officer with the American Legion.
Specifically, Nati can help veterans and their family members with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to benefits. He will be taking appointments at the Sayre office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services, and appointments can be made by calling Pickett’s Sayre office at (570) 888-9011.