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Are you – or do you know – an older adult who could use some help staying cool at home this summer? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program (SCP) may be able to help. The 2021 SCP will provide eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. Household income must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($22,330 for one person, $30,170 for a couple) and household’s must have at least one additional eligibility criteria listed below:

• A household member who is age 60 or older.
• A household member has a documented medical condition verified by a licensed medical professional who is qualified under Ohio law to write prescriptions.
• A household member that was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 12 months. May provide a written statement as proof of medical diagnosis.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) customers are 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.
• A household’s electric utility has a disconnect notice, has been shut off, or new electric service is being established for the household. These households may also receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan or central air conditioning repairs, if the household can maintain electric service for 30 days.

Applications for thie 2021 program will be accepted July 1-September 30, 2021. The maximum benefit amounts for the 2021 program are: $500 for customers of regulated utilities and $800 for customers of unregulated utilities (municipal utilities or cooperatives). Air conditioning units and/or fans may only be provided to eligible customers who have not received an air conditioning unit or fan in the last three years. . New this year: The utility assistance benefit is separate from the additional benefit. Households may receive the maximum utility assistance benefit towards their electric bill and still receive an additional benefit (i.e., central air conditioner repair, air conditioner unit, and/or fan).

How to Apply

Understanding eligibility requirements and completing and submitting benefit applications can be challenging for many older adults – especially those who are homebound. Working with our community partners, Council on Aging provides information and assistance to older adults and people with disabilities who wish to apply for HEAP programs. Older adults and people with disabilities who wish to apply for the 2021 Summer Crisis Program should call one of the numbers below, depending on where they live:

• Butler County
  • Central Connections: (513) 217-2481
• Clermont County
  • Clermont County Senior Services: (513) 536-4015
• Clinton County
  • Council on Aging: (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 (select Option 2 from menu)
• Hamilton County
  • Council on Aging: (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 (select Option 2 from menu)
  • Community Action Agency: (513) 685-4478
• Warren County
  • Warren County Community Services: (513) 970-6737

For more information about HEAP, call the Ohio Development Services Agency at (800) 282-0880 or (800) 686-1557 (TDD line for hearing impaired clients), Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-5 pm.