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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.

From July 1 through September 30, income income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance with paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP). 

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households and those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with a household member age 60 or older and/or a household member with a documented medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma and others.  

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven and 60% of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $57,750.

Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 55,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $12.4 million in benefits.

How to Apply

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the appropriate provider (find your energy assistance provider).

Clients need to bring copies of 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 that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. 

NOTE: Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may also be eligible for assistance, or central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact Council on Aging: www.help4seniors.org or 513-721-1025, option 2. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.