September 30 is the last day to apply for assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. It provides assistance to eligible Ohioans with an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs.
Benefits MAY include: Up to $500 on regulated utilities and up to $800 on unregulated utilities toward a current electric bill, total amount due, first PIPP Plus enrollment, utility account deposit, transfer of service or disconnect fees and a possible air conditioning unit or fan. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 419-718-0047 OR online at app.capappointments.com
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 (12 months if applicable)
- 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).
Last year more than 1,000 families in Crawford, Marion and Morrow counties were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.
For more information about the features of the 2021 Summer Crisis Program, contact Ohio Heartland CAC at 740-387-1039. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider call (800)282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.