COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Department of Development, in collaboration with local Area Agencies on Aging, is reminding older Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program aids Ohioans at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for households of up to seven members, and 60% of the State Median Income for households of eight or more members, in paying their heating bills.
The HEAP benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill, helping to manage heating costs. Older Ohioans can visit their local Area Agency on Aging office for assistance with assembling the required documents and completing their HEAP application. Applications can also be submitted online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov, where a copy of the application can be downloaded.
When applying, individuals need to provide the following documents:
- Most recent utility bills
- A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
HEAP benefits will be applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1, 2025. Applications for the HEAP program must be received by May 31, 2025.
For more information or assistance with applying for a HEAP benefit, contact the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. at 419-524-4144 and ask for a Navigator.
To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, call (800) 282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.