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Financial Assistance Short Term
(FAST) Guidelines
Revised - 04/2010
1. FAST funds are used to provide
assistance with rent, utilities, some medications and some transportation. FAST
funds are not used to pay phone bills, cable bills, deposits on rental property,
utility reconnect fees, taxes, fines or loan or credit card debts. Assistance is
limited to funds available, and some assistance is limited to residents of
Independence. No more than $100 in assistance can be given during a twelve month
period.
2. The consumer must make an appointment with the Community Access Center to
discuss the possibility of financial assistance. The consumer is required to
provide proof of his or her identity and of his or her current address at each
request for assistance.
3. Utility bills: In order for a consumer to receive help with a utility bill,
it must be past due or due within the next five days; and must be for the
residence at which the consumer is living. A complete copy of the utility bill,
showing a breakdown of the charges, must be provided. A disconnect notice does
not provide sufficient information. FAST funds will be used to pay the last
portion of the bill. The consumer must provide a receipt showing that payment of
the first portion of the bill has been made.
4. Rent: Community Access Center staff will confirm that the person signing a
rental letter is the owner or manager of the property and that rent is due or
past due. FAST funds will be used to pay the last portion of the rent. The
consumer must provide a receipt showing that payment of the first portion of the
rent has been made. No assistance will be provided to individuals renting from
immediate family members.
5. Medication: Consumers are encouraged to request, from the physician, free
samples for needed medication. A written prescription, signed by the physician,
is required for obtaining assistance. FAST funds cannot be used to obtain
narcotic medications.
6. Transportation: In order to obtain assistance with transportation to see a
doctor in another community or to interview for a job in another community, the
consumer must provide proof of the appointment or interview. FAST funds will not
be used for other transportation needs.
7. Checks will be mailed or taken
directly to the utility company, pharmacy, landlord or other payee.
8. If it is determined that the consumer has falsified any information, the
request for assistance will be denied and the consumer will not be allowed to
request further assistance for a period to be determined by the Community Access
Center Board. |
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