Heating Assistance Now Available

While we have enjoyed a mild fall, winter is right around the corner, and those temperatures will be dropping soon.  The Ohio Development Services Agency and the Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 remind Ohioans that heating assistance is available to eligible households through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program.

The HEAP Winter Crisis Program is providing assistance until March 31, 2016 to eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. “We are working with the Community Action Councils to make sure Ohioans stay warm this winter,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.

In 2014, more than 130,000 Ohioans were helped by the HEAP Winter Crisis Program statewide.

Qualifying for HEAP is dependent upon the size of the household and the total gross household income for either the past three or 12 months. For the Winter Crisis Program, the gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $42,437.50.

Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face-to-face interview at their local Community Action Council.

HEAP Assistance – Regional Offices

More information about the HEAP Winter Crisis Program is available online. Ohioans also can call the toll-free hotline at (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial (800) 686-1557 for assistance).

Additional information about Ohio’s energy assistance programs is available online or by calling (800) 282-0880.