Statement issued Friday:

As the temperatures begin to rise, so do summer cooling bills. Fortunately for many area residents, CANI (Community Action of Northeast Indiana) may be able to help.

CANI’s Summer Cooling program is now in effect and will run through Aug. 31. The $50 summer cooling electric credit is available to anyone who meets the minimum income qualification and has a current electric bill.

People who are ages 50 or older, disabled, or have children 5 and younger in the home may apply for $50 credits on room air conditioners with a doctor’s statement of medical necessity. The family cannot have received an air conditioner within the past five years.

If a client was approved for heating assistance this past year, and did not move, he or she need only call and ask the CANI Family Support Worker for the $50 credit and answer a few questions. If a client was approved for heating assistance this past year, but has moved, he or she must submit a current electric bill when requesting the $50 credit. Please note this includes households with utilities included in the rent.

Any client requesting a $50 electric credit, but did not receive heating assistance this year is asked to schedule an Energy Assistance Program appointment by calling (800) 589-2264.

Appointments are made through this number for CANI’s main office at 227 E. Washington Blvd. in Fort Wayne and all county offices.

At any location, you must bring:

• Proof of gross income for the last 12 months for everyone in the household ages 18 and older.
• Social Security for everyone in the household.

The maximum yearly income allowed is:

• One-person household: No more than $15,600 annually.
• Two-person household: No more than $21,000 annually.
• Three person household: No more than $26,400 annually.
• Four-person household: No more than $31,800 annually.
• For each additional family member, add $5,400 to the annual income allowed.

Please note this is not an emergency program. CANI does not call in benefits, nor can the program be used for disconnects.

For more information, contact Family Support Services Manager Marianne Stanley at (260) 423-3546 ext. 229.