Greater Cleveland residents who find themselves struggling to pay utility bills in the winter months may qualify for energy assistance.
Starting Nov. 1, 2019, through the end of March 2020, the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP) will help income-eligible Northeast Ohio residents that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than 25% of fuel in their tank to maintain service.
Please note that crisis appointment holds will only be granted once per heating season to those who have not already taken advantage of the winter reconnect order before scheduling. If you pay the $175.00 to a utility or split payment to both utility companies, you will not get another hold on your account by making another appointment.
More info regarding the Winter Reconnect Order can be found, here.
In order to utilize the Winter Crisis Program, residents have to make an appointment. Walk-in appointments will no longer be accepted.
New this year, HEAP will offer appointments on at least three "Super Saturdays." The appointments are between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. The first Super Saturday is on Nov. 16.
Additionally, the HEAP office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 14 and Jan. 11.
You can schedule an appointment online, here. You can also reach HEAP by calling 216-350-8008.
Make sure to bring the following items to your appointment:
- Photo ID
- Social Security card for everyone in the household
- Birth Certificate card for everyone in the household
- Current gas and electric bills
- Proof of income for everyone in the house over 18. (SSA, SSI and SSDI forms are also accepted.) Income must show the last 30 days of work. For seasonal and self-employed workers, 12 months of income must be shown.
For more information on the Winter Crisis Program click, here.
Anyone who needs assistance but aren't dealing with an emergency or disconnection can find additional resources, here.
