Ohioans can get help with cooling bills

COLUMBUS — The State of Ohio is once again kicking off its annual program to help ensure Ohio families can beat the heat and stay cool this summer.

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.

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with an elderly household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.

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.

Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.

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 noting that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, if there isn’t a member older than the age of 60.

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may also be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, or central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Submitted by the Ohio Department of Development