Winter Heating Help for Older Ohioans

Ohio has several energy assistance programs to assist low income Ohioans with paying their utility bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program to help low-income Ohioans by providing a one-time benefit annually to the consumer’s primary heating source account. For example, if you heat your home with a gas furnace, a credit will be provided to your gas bill. To receive this benefit, the applicant must be at or below 175% of the poverty level.

The Percentage of Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) is a year-round extended payment arrangement that provides assistance with both electric and heating fuel bills. Persons at 150% of the poverty level who heat with gas pay only 6% of their gross monthly household income to their gas company and 6% to their electric company to the utility companies each month to maintain service. If they heat with electricity, they pay 10% of their monthly household income.

To apply for HEAP and PIPP Plus, complete the Energy Assistance Programs Application 2017-2018 (available online at: https://www.development.ohio.gov/is/is_heap.htm, click on “Energy Assistance Programs Application”) or visit your local energy assistance program provider in person.

The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) provides a one-time benefit annually to your primary heating source account. The benefit can be used by eligible households that are disconnected (or have a pending disconnection notice), need to establish new services or pay to transfer service, or have 25% (or less) of bulk fuel. The program can also assist with fuel tank placement, furnace repair, and can provide funds for the purchase of electric heaters. Visit your local energy assistance program provider to apply in person for the WCP.

Regional Energy Assistance Program Providers

It is advised to call ahead and make an appointment.

Champaign County

Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison, and Union Counties

40 Monument Square, Suite 200, Urbana

937-772-9164

M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Clark County

Opportunities Industrialization Center of Clark County

10 South Yellow Springs Street, Springfield

937-323-6461

M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Darke, Greene, Montgomery, and Preble Counties

Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area

719 South Main Street, Dayton

937-341-5000

M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Logan County

Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison, and Union Counties

1653 US 68 North, Bellefontaine

937-404-9203

M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Miami County

Miami County Community Action Council, Community Services Center

1695 Troy-Sidney Road, Troy

937-335-7921

M-F, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Shelby County

Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison, and Union Counties

110 East Russell Road, Sidney

937-507-9341

M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm