The Ohio Department of Development and Buckeye Hills Regional Council, and Southeast Ohio’s Community Action Agencies are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through September 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with an elderly household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $54,600.
Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Agency:
• Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action (HAPCAP): 740-868-1908
• Guernsey-Monroe-Noble Tri-County CAC: 740-955-8001
• Washington-Morgan Community Action: 740-370-1328
• Gallia-Meigs Community Action: 740-444-4371
Clients 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).
“Keeping your home cool and comfortable can be a challenge with the early heatwaves we have already experienced and increased costs of food and energy,” said Jennifer Westfall, Aging and Health Director at Buckeye Hills Regional Council. “We’re pleased to work with the Community Action agencies in promoting the HEAP program to reduce energy costs and keep people cool and comfortable.”
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may also be 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.
For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact your local Community Action Agency. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.