STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITH HELP FROM HEAP 2024-2025

Stay warm this winter with help from HEAP!

The Ohio Department of Development and Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization want to help alleviate the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep more of Ohio’s families warm.

From Nov. 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, those required to pay for a service transfer, and those with a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) default or who need to make their first PIPP payment. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $54,600.

Last year, the Winter Crisis Program assisted nearly 77,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $23.5 million in benefits.

“When temperatures drop this winter, no one should have to worry about if they can afford to keep their home warm,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Every year, this program serves as a lifeline for thousands of Ohioans, ensuring they can stay safe and comfortable during our coldest months.”

Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)-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.

To measurably improve the well-being of our community by providing opportunities for those in need.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
● Copies of 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
● Proof of disability, if applicable

These are the programs you can apply for with this application:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

• Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

Size of Household Past Twelve Months Income

When determining 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, households with more than eight members must add $8,260 to the yearly income or $678.90 to the 30-day income for each additional member. When determining 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, households with more than eight members must add $9,440 for each additional member.