CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Income-eligible Ohioans can get help staying cool this summer through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP), a joint effort by the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (OHCAC). The program, which runs until September 30, provides assistance for electric bills, air conditioners, fans, and central air conditioning unit repairs.

To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of four, the annual income cap is $56,262.50. The program also requires that a household has a member who is either 60 years or older, has a physician’s note stating the need for cooling assistance due to a medical condition, or has a disconnection notice or is trying to establish new service. Qualifying medical conditions include lung disease, COPD, and asthma.

A new streamlined online portal is available at energyhelp.ohio.gov to make the application process easier. Applicants can create a secure OHID account to begin their application online.

To complete the process, clients must schedule an appointment with OHCAC by calling (419) 928-3236 or by booking online at ohcac.itfrontdesk.com. While both in-person and phone appointments are available, in-person interviews are mandatory for those requesting an air conditioner or fan. OHCAC strongly recommends in-person appointments for all applicants due to the new system.

Applicants should bring 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 of a health-related need for cooling (if applicable)
  • A disconnect notice (if applicable)

Last year, the program provided $13.5 million in benefits to more than 44,000 Ohio households. The last day to apply for the 2025 Summer Crisis Program is September 30, 2025.