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STEPS to Stability Hamilton County

What is the STEPS to Stability Program?

The STEPS to Stability Program was created by Council on Aging to help address common, one-time needs that can impact an older adult’s ability to remain independent in their homes and communities.

STEPS to Stability will accept applications for utility assistance August 3 – 31, 2026. See below for information about how to apply.

STEPS to Stability is no longer accepting applications for home modifications or repairs.

Who is eligible?

The STEPS to Stability Program – Hamilton County is for county residents age 60 and older who meet certain income requirements.

Home Repairs and Modifications

The STEPS to Stability program is no longer accepting applications for home repairs or modification.

Questions?

If you have questions, please call COA at (513) 743-9000.

Utility Assistance

The STEPS to Stability program will accept applications for utility assistance August 3 – 31, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You must have your Duke Account Number available in order to apply. Applications will not be accepted without the Duke Account Number.
  • You must NOT have received this assistance in 2025.
  • Hamilton County resident age 60 and over
  • Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
  • Ineligible for other assistance programs (excluding HEAP)
  • Household income of 300% of poverty level or below, following the guidelines below (Social Security is considered income):
    • $47,880 for a household of one
    • $64,920 for a household of two
    • $81,960 for a household of three
    • $99,000 for a household of four

How to apply for utility assistance

The STEPS to Stability program will accept applications August 3 – 31, 2026. Check back for information about how to apply.

Utility Assistance Important Questions & Answers

No. If you received a utility credit through this program last year, you are not eligible to apply for assistance this year. We will review all received applications to ensure applicants meet this criteria.

Eligible individuals may receive a credit on their Duke Energy Utility bill in the following amounts:

    • $500 if you are not eligible for assistance through HEAP

    • $200 if you are also eligible for assistance through Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

You will receive a letter from Council on Aging informing you of the status of your application. We will not process applications until AFTER the application window ends, so it may be several weeks before you receive an update regarding your application status.

If you applied for utility assistance prior to June 30, we are currently processing those applications. 

It is important to understand that funding for this program is limited and as a result, not all applicants may receive utility assistance. To ensure everyone has the same opportunity to receive utility assistance funding, we will not begin reviewing applications until after the application window ends. At that time, we will review all submitted applications to ensure they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. When the eligibility review is complete, we will use a fair, unbiased random selection process to distribute funds among eligible applicants. This will continue until all the funding is fully distributed.

If you applied for utility assistance prior to June 30, we are currently processing those applications. 

While you wait to hear about your application status, it is important that you continue to pay your utility bill.

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