The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and National Fuel are pleased to announce that the Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund, a first-come, first-served home-heating assistance grant program, opened on January 8. This fund was established by National Fuel in 1983 to help the elderly and disabled pay for energy-related expenses, and, since that time, has administered grants totaling nearly $6 million.

Eligible families or individuals in need of payment assistance are encouraged to contact their local Salvation Army and Catholic Charities agencies, which process and approve applications, to determine the necessary documentation to bring to the application interview.

Neighbor for Neighbor grant amounts can be up to $300 (for those with National Fuel accounts) and are determined by need. Individuals may qualify for fund assistance under these circumstances:

Applicant is at least 60 years old
Applicant, or a household member, has a handicap, disability, or medical hardship
Applicant lives in National Fuel's service territory and has a heating account (even if they are not a National Fuel customer)
Applicant sought help from the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (even if they did not qualify for assistance)

All applicants must provide proof of their income and expenses and should be prepared to provide the following information to the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities during the application interview:

Proof of household income
Proof of disability or medical hardship
Proof of expenses with recent paid receipts (past 30 days)
Rent or Mortgage
Utilities (gas, electric, water/sewer, telephone, cable)
Loan payments (credit cards, auto, etc.)
Insurance payments (medical, life, home, auto, etc.)
Transportation
Clothing
Medical expenses

The Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund is administered by the Salvation Army and is sponsored by National Fuel, the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. The program is funded with generous contributions from National Fuel customers and employees, private entities, and matching funds from National Fuel's shareholders. Additional information about the fund is available by calling National Fuel at 1 (800) 365-3234 or by visiting www.nationalfuelgas.com. National Fuel does not process grant applications. Please contact a local Salvation Army or Catholic Charities agency to apply.