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Aging & Health

HEAP Summer Crisis Program Begins July 1

June 16, 2021

Beat the Heat with HEAP Summer Crisis Program

Beginning July 1, the Ohio Development Services Agency and Buckeye Hills Regional Council will help income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. The 2021 Summer Crisis Program (SCP) will provide eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. The program will run from July 1st, 2021 until September 30th, 2021

Household income must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and household’s must have at least one additional eligibility criteria listed below:

  • A household member who is age 60 or older.
  • A household member has a documented medical condition verified by a licensed medical professional who is qualified under Ohio law to write prescriptions.
  • A household member that was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 12 months. May provide a written statement as proof of medical diagnosis.
  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) customers are eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
  • A household’s electric utility has a disconnect notice, has been shut off, or new electric service is being established for the household. These households may also receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan or central air conditioning repairs, if the household can maintain electric service for 30 days.

The maximum benefit amounts for the 2021 program are: $500 for customers of regulated utilities and $800 for customers of unregulated utilities (municipal utilities or cooperatives). Air conditioning units and/or fans may only be provided to eligible customers who have not received an air conditioning unit or fan in the last three years.

New this year: The utility assistance benefit is separate from the additional benefit. Households may receive the maximum utility assistance benefit towards their electric bill and still receive an additional benefit (i.e., central air conditioner repair, air conditioner unit, and/or fan).

To apply for the program, customers are required to schedule an appointment with their county’s Community Action Agency.

  • HAP Community Action – (740) 868-1908
  • GMN Tri-County Community Action – (740) 955-8001
  • Washington-Morgan Community Action – (740) 373-3745
  • Gallia-Meigs Community Action – (740) 444-4371

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

  • copies of their most recent energy bills
  • 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)
  • physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program, contact Buckeye Hills Regional Council at 800-331-2644. For more information about energy assistance programs call 800-282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial 711 for assistance) and for a list of energy assistance providers select option 2, or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov

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