COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Development will help income-eligible Ohioans maintain their heating utility service this winter season. The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program is available November 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022. Ohioans can start their application online at energyhelp.ohio.gov or contact their local Energy Assistance Provider to apply.
“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying their heating bill. We want Ohioans in need to know that we have funds available to help,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
To qualify for the Winter Crisis Program, a household must have an annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, or $46,375 for a family of four. The program is available to those who have been disconnected, are threatened with disconnection, are establishing a new utility service, or have less than 25% supply of bulk fuel in their tank.
Applications are also available at local libraries, county departments of Job and Family Services, and Area Agencies on Aging.
Eligible Ohio households, serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility, must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan in order to receive emergency benefits.
Applicants can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their online application, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider. Applicants will need to contact their local Energy Assistance Provider to complete their application.
Applicants will need to submit a copy of the following documents with their application:
• Copies of their most recent utility bills
• A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers) and proof of
income for everyone in the household over 18 years old for the last 30 days for each member
(12 months preferred)
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
For more information on the Winter Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880. Hearing-impaired customers can dial 711 for assistance.