COLUMBUS, Ohio — The HEAP Summer Crisis Program starts July 1 and is aimed at helping those who need help with their electric bill or buying an air conditioner, fan or repairs to a central air conditioning unit.
The program runs from July 1 to Sept. 20.
“This year, we’ve extended the length of the program and expanded eligibility requirements so we can help more Ohioans during this health crisis,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency said. “We’re working with our local partners every day to help Ohioans in need.”
According to the ODSA, the program assists the following:
- Low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older)
- Households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health. Examples include: lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
- Households that were diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020.
- Households that have a disconnect notice.
- Household that have been shut off or are trying to establish new service on their electric bill are also eligible for assistance.
The program allows eligible households to receive up to $500 if they are a regulated utility customer or $800 if they are an unregulated utility customer.
Here are the requirements to be eligible, according to the ODSA:
- Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.
- For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $45,850.00.
For Ohioans enrolled in a Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) and meet the summer crisis program requirements, may be eligible towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, purchase of new air conditioning unit or fan or repairs to a central air system.
CLICK HERE to apply for the HEAP Summer Crisis Program. You can also call 1-800-282-0880 to find a local agency office near you or to schedule an appointment.
In order to apply you will need to provide the following:
- Proof of income for each household member. 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.
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