More than 73,000 households served last year

Starting Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home repair energy bill through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

Last year the Winter Crisis Program assisted more than 73,000 households in ohio, providing $25.5 million in benefits, according to the Department.

The program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection or who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, and those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25 percent or less bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $56,262.50.

Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio [PUCO]-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

Ohioans can start the application process online but must schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider to complete the application. Depending on the agency, the appointment may be in person, on the phone, or remotely. The application and list of providers can be found online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• their most recent energy bills, if available.
• a list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member.
• proof of U.S> citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• proof of disability, if applicable.

For more information about the program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

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