Apply Now For Energy Assistance & Student Loan Relief

September 5, 2025

You can apply now for emergency home energy assistance before the weather gets bitterly cold. Keep scrolling to find out how much time eligible households have left to submit an application.

The state's student loan reimbursement program is open once again. I'll break down the eligibility requirements and how to apply for financial relief.

The American Red Cross and Hartford Fire Department are teaming up once again to Sound the Alarm. I'll let you know how this initiative protects local families from house fires.

These are the sections in today's email: 

  • Apply Now For Home Energy Assistance
  • Student Loan Relief is Available
  • Volunteers To Hand Out Free Smoke Detectors

 
 

Apply Now For Home Energy Assistance

Higher energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but you can get some help! The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, is accepting applications through Wednesday, September 10th!

This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill to eligible Connecticut individuals and families making up to 75% SMI gross household income.

For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. 

There are four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:

  • September 2-10, 2025
  • November 2-10, 2025
  • January 2-10, 2026
  • March 2-10 , 2026
CLICK HERE to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
 

Student Loan Relief is Available

You can apply once again for the Connecticut Office of Higher Education's (OHE) Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP). It provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants.

Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.

The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:

  • Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
  • Outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
  • Graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
  • Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
  • 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service

Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered. Click here to create an account and apply.
 

Volunteers To Hand Out Free Smoke Detectors

The American Red Cross and Hartford Fire Department are working together to protect local families, while observing a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11.

On that day, volunteers will visit homes in Hartford neighborhoods to install smoke alarms, share fire safety information, and help build personalized escape plans to use in case a fire breaks out in the home.

Working smoke alarms decrease the risk of death from home fire by 50%. 

During the home visit, families will receive:

  • Installed smoke alarms if no working smoke alarms are present in your home
  • Guidance in the development of a Family Disaster Plan
  • Valuable emergency preparedness tips and information

Red Cross-trained volunteers and/or licensed/insured professionals will perform all demonstration and installation services.

This effort is part of a nationwide Red Cross Home Fire Campaign initiative aimed at reducing fire-related deaths and injuries, especially from house fires, the most common disaster the Red Cross responds to across the country.

Since the program’s launch, the Red Cross has installed more than 6,500 smoke alarms in Hartford. You can learn more or schedule an appointment by clicking HERE or call 1-877-287-3327, option 3.

If you would like to volunteer to help, Habitat for Humanity North Central Connecticut is rallying volunteers and supporting the effort for Sound the Alarm. 

On September 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will team up with the Red Cross, local fire departments, and community partners to install the smoke alarms in homes throughout the city.

You can sign up to help HERE.