Staff report

As temperatures start to drop across Ohio, the state is stepping in to help families keep the heat on by easing the burden of high energy bills.

Starting this month, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

“We’re proud to show up for Ohioans when they need us most, especially when Ohio winters create challenges for individuals and families,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “The Winter Crisis Program is here to provide critical support so people can stay safe, healthy and warm through our coldest time of the year.”

Last year, the program assisted more than 73,000 households in Ohio, providing $25.5 million in benefits.

The program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service and those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25% or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $56,262.50.

Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

Ohioans can start their application online, but must schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider to complete the application. Depending on the agency, the appointment may be in person, on the phone or remotely. The application and list of providers can be found online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment: their most recent energy bills, if available; 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; and proof of disability, if applicable.

For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.