Energy Bill Assistance

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their heating and cooling bills. Many older adults with limited incomes rely on this assistance and would not be able to get through the year without it. If you’re having trouble managing your home energy costs, we can help.

Older adult woman changes the thermostat

Apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

Program Details & Requirements

Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP) are an integral part of the social safety net for Ohio’s older citizens. Many older adults with limited incomes rely on this assistance, and would not be able to get through the year without it. If you’re having trouble managing your home energy costs, we can help.

HEAP provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their heating bills. The one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s main heating bill. Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program. HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1. Applications must be received by May 31, 2024. 

You can apply online, by mail, over the phone, or by visiting your local Energy Assistance Provider.

  • To apply online: visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov to create an account and complete the application.
  • To apply by mail: visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov, download an application, and mail it to: Ohio Department of Development Energy Assistance Programs P.O. Box 1240 Columbus, Ohio 43216
  • To apply over the phone or in person: set up an appointment with your local Energy Assistance Provider. Visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov to find the phone number of the provider nearest you, or call (800) 282-0880 and follow the prompts to be directed to your local Energy Assistance Provider. List of local Energy Assistance Providers below:

Check Your Eligibility and Learn More

Apply Online

When applying, make sure to have copies of the following documents:

  • An Energy Assistance Application
  • A copy of your photo ID may be required
  • Proof of income for each household member over the age of 18 for the last 30 days, but last 12 months is preferred. Income includes: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Social Security, Pension, Alimony, Wages, Self-employment, Unemployment, etc.
  • Copies of your most recent utility bills
  • A list of all household members, including Social Security numbers and birth dates
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship/legal residency for all household members. Documents that are accepted to prove U.S. citizenship/legal residency include: a Social Security Card, birth certificate, U.S. Passport, naturalization paper/certification of citizenship, permanent VISA, or INS ID Card
  • Proof of disability (if applicable)

Additional Assistance

July 1- September 30

The Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans with a member of the household who is at least 60 years old, was diagnosed with Coronavirus in the last 12 months, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service or has a physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. The program assists in the payment of an electric bill, central air conditioning repairs or the purchase of an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

Summer Crisis Program

2023 Summer Heap Application

November 1- March 31

The Winter Crisis Program provides a benefit once per heating season to eligible Ohioans facing disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, or have less than 25% of their supply of bulk fuel.

Winter Crisis Program

In partnership with:

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