If winter heating costs have you worried about how to make ends meet, here’s some good news.

The Community Action Agency of South Alabama has begun the application process to assist low-income families with heating bills.

Families must meet certain guidelines to be eligible for funds; however, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, locals now have an opportunity for funding assistance, said Catherine Thomas, CAASA county coordinator.

Eligible households must provide proof of combined income, before deductions, of all household members for the entire month prior to the month they apply for assistance; Social Security cards, head of household identification, date of birth and age of each member of the household. The utility bill must be in the name of the head of household or their spouse, as well as the application for assistance.

Income limits are:

• one person: $1,485;

• two people: $2,002;

• three people: $2,520; and,

• four people: $3,037.

For each additional person, add $520.

“Bank statements are no longer acceptable form for proof of income,” Thomas said. One must provide pay stubs or letters of award, she said.

“Funds are limited and are on a first-come-first-served basis,” Thomas said. “Some appointments are already scheduled, and the number of applications taken daily are also limited due to the application process.”

Special arrangements are available for the elderly and disabled, he said.

To schedule an appointment, call 877.2467836 or visit caaofsa.org. For more information, call the Escambia County office at 251.867.4759.