ANCHORAGE, AK – June 15, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Alaskans with disabilities have ample opportunity to qualify for the special appliance rebate program being funded by a $658,000 grant from the federal Department of Energy and administered statewide by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
The federal program, designed to encourage Americans to use energy-efficient appliances, kicked off in Alaska this past March and is scheduled to remain in effect through February 2012, or until the money runs out -whichever occurs first.
Even with the 20-month window of opportunity, however, Alaskans with disabilities who contemplate buying new appliances (refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer and/or dishwasher) should register for this program sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t lose out.
Eligibility is limited to Alaskans who have a condition that meets the legal definition for a disability or who receive or are eligible to receive benefits for that disability. Written documentation from a physician, health care provider, or local, state or federal agency that confirms the disability, or demonstrates receipt of benefits or services directly related to the disability can be used for verification. AHFC’s website (www.ahfc.us) has more information on this matter.
Only ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are eligible for rebates, and participants are limited to one of each type (refrigerator, freezer, washer and dishwasher.) Rebate amounts vary according to the type of appliance and the location of a participant’s residence.
- For Energy Star refrigerators and freezers:
- $500 for rural Alaskans with disabilities
- $300 for urban Alaskans with disabilities
- For Energy Star washers and dishwashers:
- $300 for rural Alaskans with disabilities
- $150 for urban Alaskans with disabilities
Rural communities are those not served by road or by the Alaska Marine Highway. Rebates for rural Alaskans with disabilities are larger because of the much higher cost of purchasing and shipping appliances to rural areas of the state.
Participation in the program begins with a call to AHFC’s AK Rebate Call Center at 1-877-257-3228 (1-877-AKREBATE) to receive an application and additional instructions. Once approved for the program, AHFC provides the participant with a voucher to authorize a rebate and directs the individual to purchase within 120 days the ENERGY STAR appliance or appliances with his/her own funds or financing arrangements and submit the receipt to AHFC, along with the voucher. It can take up to 90 days to receive the rebate.
AHFC is a self-supporting public corporation with offices in 16 communities statewide. It provides statewide financing for multi-family complexes, congregate facilities, and single-family homes, with special loan options for low- to moderate-income borrowers, veterans, teachers, health care professionals, and those living in rural areas of the state.
AHFC also provides energy and weatherization programs, low-income rental assistance in 17 communities, and special programs for the homeless and those seeking to become self-sufficient. AHFC has contributed more than $1.9 billion to Alaska’s state budget revenues through cash transfers, capital projects and debt-service payments.
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For more information, contact: Sherrie Simmonds, Corporate Communications Officer, 907 330 8447, ssimmond (at) ahfc.state.ak (dot) us
