Help With Heating Bill & Homeownership Program Reopens

November 4, 2024


The weather is about to get colder across Connecticut, and Eversource is offering programs to help with your heating bill. Please keep scrolling to learn how you could save this winter.

You can enroll right now for health insurance via Access Health CT. The timing is key because the sooner you act, the sooner you will get coverage. Professionals can answer your questions at a free enrollment fair in Willimantic. Read below to find out when that event is taking place. 
 
I have great news for low-and moderate-income homebuyers in Windham! The state is making a big investment to make it easier for people to buy a house. I'll break down how you can take advantage of the "Time To Own" program.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Get Help with Your Heating Bill
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • 'Time To Own' Program Reopens
 
Get Help with Your Heating Bill
If you’re struggling to keep up with energy bills, now is the time to connect with Eversource to get the assistance you need to stay warm this winter. November is Heating Assistance Awareness Month, and Eversource wants you to know about the many programs available to help pay or lower your heating bills.
There is a plan for everyone, including:
 
State and Other Assistance Programs
  • Get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online or visit your local Community Action Agency. You may also find your closest agency by calling 211.

Protection from Service Shut-Off

  • Protect your gas or electric service from shut off from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

  • The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, we will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
  • An Electric Discount Rate is available to you if you have a financial hardship status on your electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month. For example, if you have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if you receive a 10% discount or $50 less if you receive the 50% discount.
  • Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of income.

To find the right options for you, call 800-286-2828 or CLICK HERE.
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You can enroll right now for health insurance through Access Health CT (AHCT). Anyone who lives in Connecticut can shop and compare health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers may also enroll in dental insurance through AHCT. Open enrollment ends on January 15, 2025. 

When you enroll affects when your coverage starts. If customers enroll on or before December 15, coverage will start January 1, 2025. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2025, coverage will start February 1, 2025.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone. There will be a free enrollment fair in Willimantic on Saturday, November 16 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Generations Family Health Center at 40 Mansfield Avenue.
Reserve your spot
Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. Go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. 
AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) receive assistance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no cost insurance for eligible residents.

There are 22 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available for customers to choose from this year. Plans are available from three insurance carriers, including Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., and ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc.
 
'Time To Own' Program Reopens
The State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.
 
Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of home ownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.
To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn.