CRAWFORD/MARION/MORROW COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Department of Development and Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (CAC) are teaming up once again to help Ohio families beat the heat this summer. From July 1 through September 30, the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program will provide financial aid to income-eligible Ohioans for electric bills, air conditioner purchases, and central air conditioning repairs.
The Summer Crisis Program is designed to assist low-income households, particularly those with a disconnection notice, those who have been shut off, those trying to establish new service on their electric bill, those requiring 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.
In the previous year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 1,000 households in Crawford, Marion, and Morrow counties. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Ohio Heartland CAC by calling 419-718-0047 or online at app.capappointments.com.
Applicants need to bring 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), and 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 may also be eligible for assistance towards 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 Ohio Heartland CAC for Crawford County at 419-468-5121, Marion County at 740-383-2154, and Morrow County at 419-946-2009. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.