One-time energy payment between $250 to $600 available to Americans – see if you’re eligible

ENERGY payments between $250 and $600 are available to Americans in one state.

There are only three weeks left to apply for this one-time direct payment.

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Eligible Connecticut residents may apply for payment under the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENTS FOR?

The program is available to low-income residents and distributes payments ranging from $250 to $600 to help cover winter utility bills.

Applications for the final round are open until May 31st and can be submitted online.

Most successful applicants will have their money transferred directly to their utility company and the discount will be applied to their next bill.

Residents whose bills are included in their rent will instead receive their payment directly.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Households must meet three criteria to be eligible

• A resident of Connecticut
• Hold a social security number
• Meet income guidelines — below 60 percent of state median income or receive one of several benefits

You can view the full eligibility criteria online.

Eligible families typically receive benefits ranging from $250 to $600 in basic benefits alone.

The exact payment depends on income level, household size and whether there is a vulnerable member in the household.

PAYMENTS DISABLED

CEAP is especially important to some Connecticut residents after another local energy assistance program closed early.

Operation Fuel announced on Friday April 14 that applications are being closed due to a high volume of applications.

This program uses funds from private donations and government funds to help around 8,000 households pay their energy bills each season.

Operation Fuel plans to resume energy support when the summer-fall program begins on August 1st.

OTHER DIRECT PAYMENTS

If you were not eligible for payments in Connecticut, there may be other programs you can apply for.

In Pennsylvania, the Property Tax/Rent Refund Program accepts applications through June 30th.

Residents can receive anywhere from $250 to $975 depending on income and whether they are homeowners or renters.

And in Alabama, a Senate committee has approved a $100 income tax refund for most applicants.

Government rebates aren’t the only way to end up landing some free cash.

A class action lawsuit is currently awarding payments of up to $700 to customers affected by an alleged medical review institute of America (MRIoA) data breach.

And Don Roberto’s Jewelers customers may be owed up to $5,750 thanks to a $4 million privacy settlement.