The Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) will begin accepting heating assistance applications on Mon., Jan. 10, said local agency director Elizabeth Seay.

“These appointments will be on a call-in basis only and are first-come, first-served,” Seay said. “You must call for an appointment. No walk-ins will be taken.”

Seay said OCAP sites with a current waiting list will begin making appointments for that list first.

“After those appointments are completed, we’ll begin with new appointments, or you’ll be placed on the winter waiting list,” she said.

Seay said applicants will be required to meet with an OCAP representative at the agency’s new office located in the USDA service building, across from the Covington County Health Department.

“And as of Oct. 1, we have new rules,” Seay said. “For example, the utility bill – be it gas or electric – must be in your name to make an application for assistance. And as for income verification, we must have the combined gross amount of all current household members for the prior month.

“That means everyone in the household over 18 must provide income verification, even if they have no income – and even that must be verified and notarized by a reliable person in a position who knows the household’s circumstances,” she said.

Applicants should call 334-428-2660 for an appointment and will be required to present, in addition to the proof of income and a current, unpaid bill, a Social Security card for each member of the household.