Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1, 2020
For Immediate Release
IMPACT Community Action Contact:
Latisha Chastang (614) 453-1711 | LChastang@impactca.org
Ohio Development Services Agency Contact: Todd Walker (614) 644-0247 | Todd.Walker@development.ohio.gov
Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1, 2020
The Ohio Development Services Agency and IMPACT Community Action will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1 until September 30.
Under the Summer Crisis Program, consumers of regulated utilities may qualify to receive a benefit amount up to $500 while customers of unregulated utilities can receive a benefit not to exceed $800. These benefits can be used to help pay an electric utility bill, and/or central air conditioning repair, and/or an air conditioning unit and/or fan. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with IMPACT Community Action. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-866-747-1038.
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 that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60). 60 years or older-does not need a disconnect.
Last year more than 1,118 families in Franklin County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
“We appreciate the Summer Crisis Program changes that consider those who have experienced financial hardship during Covid-19, says Latisha Chastang, Emergency Assistance Director. The opportunity to apply benefits directly to PIPP default will give additional support to families that have lost wages and been unable to pay.”
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, have a PIPP Default, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.
The assistance is applied to their utility bill or applied to central air conditioning repair costs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.>
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program, contact IMPACT Community Action, Kim Williams at (614) 453- 1720. For more information about Energy Assistance Programs call (800)282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) and for a list of Energy Assistance Providers select option 2, or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
