Ohio to open annual cooling bill assistance program

(WKBN) — Ohio is kicking off its annual cooling bills assistance program.

From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program .

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $54,600.

Ohioans can start their application online but will need to 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 virtual. The application and list of providers can be found online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. Ohioans can also call 800-282-0880 to find their local provider. Hearing-impaired customers may dial 711 for assistance.

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 or 12 months for each member.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• Proof of disability, if applicable.
• Physician documentation notes that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health if there isn’t a member older than the age of 60.

According to a news release, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio last year, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.