| Q1: |
What are the changes to the Sharing Program? |
| A1: |
In addition to a $150 grant, the matching element of the Sharing Program has been raised to a $300 maximum. With the grant and matching grant opportunity, an eligible customer can now receive up to $450 from Sharing (up from $300 last year).
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| Q2: |
How does the matching portion work, exactly? |
| A2: |
Step 1: If you meet the criteria, you will receive a $150 grant for completing the application.
Step 2: You can receive an additional Sharing grant that will match the payments you make to Nicor Gas—dollar for dollar—from $1 to $300. So, combined with step one, you can receive a grant total of $450.
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| Q3: |
I don't understand. |
| A3: |
See the following example.
Example – Customer pays $50: If you pay $50 of your past due balance, you will receive:
• a $150 grant for completing the application, plus
• a $50 grant to match your payment.
• You will receive a total of $200 from the Sharing Proram for paying $50 of your balance, reducing your Nicor Gas account balance by a total of $250.
As you see, the more you pay down your balance, the higher your grant amount will be. However, your total grant cannot be greater than $450 or your past due balance, whichever is less.
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| Q4: |
I don't have any money to contribute to paying down my balance. Can I still receive a Sharing grant? |
| A4: |
Yes. If you meet the eligibility guidelines, you will receive a $150 grant for completing the application process.
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| Q5: |
I still can't pay my balance, even with the maximum Sharing grant. If I pay more than $300 toward my gas bill, can I get more than a $300 matching grant from the Sharing Program? |
| A5: |
Unfortunately, no. $300 is our maximum matching grant. However, there are other government agencies that may be able to help you. View our online financial assistance booklet (PDF) for more information.
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| Q6: |
Can you help me calculate exactly how much I could receive from a Sharing grant? |
| A6: |
Unfortunately, no. The Salvation Army administers the Sharing Program, and they will be able to assist you. For a list of Salvation Army offices, click here.
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| Q7: |
Why is the Sharing Program changing? |
| A7: |
We wanted to help eligible customers to reduce their bills more than before. By increasing the maximum Sharing grant from $300 to $450, we're accomplishing that.
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| Q8: |
How do I qualify? |
| A8: |
The program eligibility guidelines have not changed. The Salvation Army administers the Sharing Program and determines if you are eligible. However, you must:
- Be a residential heating customer of Nicor Gas with a payment due.
- Be ineligible for state or federal energy assistance programs.
- Have an annual gross income above 150 percent but not exceeding 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. For income guidelines, click here.
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| Q9: |
How do I apply? |
| A9: |
You must apply in person at your local Salvation Army office. We recommend you call ahead to make an appointment and to find out about the paperwork you'll need to take along.
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| Q10: |
Can I apply for more than one Sharing grant, or can my spouse also apply? |
| A10: |
No, only one Sharing grant is awarded per qualifying family. You can apply for a Sharing grant once per year.
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| Q11: |
How is the Sharing Program funded? |
| A11: |
Through direct contributions from Nicor Gas customers and employees.
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