Summer Crisis Program begins July 1

Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (OHCAC) is announcing the 2014 Summer Crisis Program (2014SCP) which runs July 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014. Benefits may include: up to $350 on regulated utilities and up to $400 on unregulated utilities toward a current electric bill and possible air conditioning unit or fan (see program requirements below).

A disconnect notice is not required to participate in the 2014 Summer Crisis Program. However, to be eligible for assistance, all households must meet the required income guidelines and the following criteria:

– If you are under the age of 60 years old and need a one-time payment toward your current electric bill, an air conditioning unit, or a fan; you must present a medical statement from a physician that states it will benefit a current household member’s medical condition – the diagnosis is not necessary. However, if you have received an air conditioner or fan in 2011, 2012, or 2013 through HEAP, you are not eligible to receive another unit or fan.

– If you are 60 years of age and older and need a one-time payment toward your current electric bill, a doctor’s notice stating that a medical need exists for cooling assistance is not required. Additionally, if you need an air conditioning unit, or a fan; a medical notice is not required. However, if you have received an air conditioner or fan in 2011, 2012, or 2013 through HEAP, you are not eligible to receive another unit or fan.

– All households served by unregulated utilities with a disconnect notice. Additionally, if you need an air conditioning unit or a fan, a medical notice is not required. However, if you have received an air conditioner or fan in 2011, 2012, or 2013 through HEAP, you are not eligible to receive another unit or fan.

The following items must be provided at the time of application: both main heating and electric bills, past 13 weeks of income for all household members, social security numbers for all household members, proof of disability and physicians documentation if needed. To make an appointment to come into one of our office’s (Marion, Crawford or Morrow Counties), you must call the automated appointment line at 1-866-861-6421. We do not accept walk-in appointments for the summer crisis program.

Eligible applicant’s total household income must be at or below 175% of the 2014 Federal Poverty guidelines:

Call 1-866-861-6421 for an appointment. Our offices will be closed on July 4and August 6.