Summer Crisis Program open to residents at or below 175 percent of Federal Poverty level

The Ohio Department of Development and Community Action Wayne/Medina offer assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during hot summer months.

Through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying an electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan or making repairs to a 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 who have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on an 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, 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.

To apply, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Community Action Wayne/Medina. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 330-461-9333 or online by visiting https://app.capappointments.com.

Clients need to take copies of the following documents to the appointment:

• Copies of 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 that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

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

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact Community Action Wayne/Medina at 330-264-8677. To be connected to a local Energy Assistance Provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.