Heating assistance available to eligible households
Do you need help with your heating bill or purchasing bulk fuel? Have you received a notice that your gas or electric will be disconnected? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division, may be able to help. There are two types of HEAP programs: HEAP and Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP). To qualify for either program, your total household income must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. See the Ohio Department of Development's Energy Assistance Programs Application 2008 - 2009 (PDF file) for the income guidelines.
HEAP
The HEAP program pays a portion of your winter heating bills and can be used one time per winter heating season. The amount of aid varies according to household income, number of people in the household, cost of primary heating fuel or bulk fuel supplies, amount of aid received from federal grants, and geographic region of the state where you live. Applications will be accepted for the HEAP program through April 30, 2009.
E-HEAP
The E-HEAP program provides a payment once per winter heating season for households who have been disconnected or received a shut-off notice, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Applications will be accepted for the E-HEAP program through March 31, 2009.
How to apply
To apply for HEAP, you will need proof of income (for all residents age 18 and over) for the past 12 months, a copy of your most recent utility bill, your completed and signed HEAP application, and the social security number and birthdate for all residents of your home. Application forms for the HEAP program are available at:
To apply for E-HEAP, you must be an adult member of your household and complete an application in person. You will be interviewed by the assisting agency and will need to provide proof of income for all residents age 18 and over, the shut-off notice and your most recent utility bill, and the social security number and birthdate for all residents two years and older.
The application for HEAP and E-HEAP also considers you for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan and the Home Weatherization Assistance Program.
For more information
Read the following fact sheets from the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel:
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