Utility assistance

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This onetime benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

To learn more call toll-free 1-800-282-0880, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the hearing-impaired dial 711.

Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program. For households with more than 8 members, add $7,735 for each additional member.

A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.

You can begin your application online at energyhelp.ohio. gov, but will need to complete the application at your local Energy Assistance Provider. When you apply,you willneed to complete the Energy Assistance Application (English or Spanish) and submit a copy of the following documents:

■ A copy of your most recent utility bills

■ A list of all household members (include birth dates and Social Security numbers) and proof of income for the last days for each member (12 months preferred)

■ Proof of citizenship or legal residency for all household members.

Please contact yourlocal Energy Assistance Provider for alist ofall required documents. Depending on your income type, additional forms may be required.