When Mountain Empire Older Citizens begins accepting Emergency Fuel Fund applications Nov. 2, care coordinators will be ready for what is typically one of the busiest days of the year.
They’ll have met in advance to review eligibility requirements, application procedures and the assistance available. At 8:30 a.m., they’ll begin answering calls from older adults seeking help with their heating costs.
And the phones are expected to ring almost nonstop.
Although opening day typically brings a rush of calls, demand for assistance often increases later in the winter, when the highest heating bills arrive. Some older adults are struggling to catch up on electric bills, while others are trying to purchase coal, propane or heating oil before temperatures drop further.
MEOC regularly receives requests for help with utilities and other essential household expenses throughout the year. In October alone, inquiries submitted through the agency’s website included a request for help purchasing propane and another seeking assistance with the cost of replacing a heating and cooling system. Although the Emergency Fuel Fund does not cover equipment replacement, both requests illustrate the financial pressures facing older adults.
Those requests reflect financial difficulties that extend well beyond the winter months.
During 2025-26 heating season, MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund assisted 1,225 individuals at a cost of $305,125.
When heating becomes a hardship
For older adults living on limited incomes, winter heating expenses can quickly overwhelm a household budget.
Some are trying to catch up on electric bills after periods of high usage. Others are running low on propane, coal, wood or heating oil. Many live in older, less energy-efficient homes where keeping warm can be especially expensive.
Tiffany Jacobs, MEOC’s director of care coordination, oversees administration of the Emergency Fuel Fund. She sees firsthand how heating expenses affect older adults living on limited incomes.
“Heating costs can put a tremendous strain on older adults living on fixed incomes,” Jacobs said. “Many have very little room in their budgets for unexpected expenses. When winter utility bills increase, even people who have managed to keep up throughout the year can suddenly find themselves struggling.”
Jacobs said requests for assistance are not limited to the winter months.
“We hear from people throughout the year who need help with electricity, water, propane or repairs they can’t afford,” she said. “By the time heating season begins, some are already behind on their bills. They’re not calling because they want a little extra help. They’re calling because they genuinely don’t know how they’re going to manage.”
How the Emergency Fuel Fund helps
The Emergency Fuel Fund provides assistance once per program year to eligible older adults.
Depending on the household’s heating source, assistance may include help with an electric bill or the purchase of coal, wood, propane or heating oil.
Payments are made directly to electric utilities or vendors supplying the heating fuel.
Applicants must be at least 60 years old, live in Lee, Scott or Wise counties or the City of Norton and have household incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
For the upcoming application period, the monthly income limits are $1,995 for a one-person household and $2,705 for a two-person household.
Although the assistance may not cover an entire winter’s heating expenses, it can provide relief when an older adult has few other options.
Community support makes the assistance possible
MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund relies on contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to help meet the demand for assistance.
Executive Director Michael K. Wampler said the fund is one example of how community generosity directly benefits older adults in the region.
“We know there are older adults in our communities who are struggling to meet their most basic needs,” Wampler said. “The Emergency Fuel Fund allows us to respond when someone needs help keeping their home warm, but we can’t do that without the generosity of people who support this program.”
With another heating season beginning, MEOC is asking community members to consider making a donation to the Emergency Fuel Fund.
Contributions of any amount help provide heating assistance to older adults who otherwise may have to choose between paying a utility bill and purchasing other necessities.
How to apply or donate
MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund will begin taking requests for assistance on Monday, Nov. 2.
Older adults seeking assistance should call MEOC at 276-523-4202, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and ask to speak to someone about fuel assistance.
Applicants should be prepared to provide their name, contact information, household size and income. Those seeking assistance with an electric bill will need their account number. For propane or heating oil assistance, tanks must be able to hold at least 100 gallons.
Community members who wish to contribute to the Emergency Fuel Fund may contact MEOC at 276-523-4202 or donate online HERE.