Heating Assistance Available to Help Ohioans Avoid Winter Chill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2023

 IMPACT Contact: Communications@impactca.org

Ohio Department of Development Contact: Megan Nagy

Megan.Nagy@development.ohio.gov

The Ohio Department of Development and IMPACT Community Action want to ensure people in Franklin County stay warm and comfortable this winter by helping alleviate the burden of costly energy bills.

From Nov. 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024, income-eligible residents of Franklin County can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program. Last year, the Winter Crisis Program assisted more than 67,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $19 million in benefits.

The Winter Crisis Program assists those living in Franklin County facing service disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, have a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) default, need to make their first PIPP payment, or have 25 percent or less supply of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income of at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is up to $52,500.

It’s been a tough few years for so many Franklin County residents, financially, so we were very glad to have these resources available to help those who need it,” shared Shameikia Smith, IMPACT VP of Housing Stability.  

 “A warm and comfortable home should not be a luxury only some people can afford,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “This program does more than just provide financial assistance; it shows some of our most-vulnerable residents that we’re here to lend a helping hand when they need it most.”

Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

IMPACT Community Action Winter Crisis Program, is currently accepting applications and providing appointments by calling 614-246-0019. 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.

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1. Applications for the HEAP Winter Crisis program must be received by March 31, 2024. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2024. For more information visit https://www.impactca.org/housing-crisis.