SELF assistance

The Ohio Department of Development and Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) want to remind Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance

Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, transferring services, establishing new services, at or below 25% fuel, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 12 months, may also be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which runs through March 31, 2022.

SELF is requiring appointments held over the phone this Winter Crisis season. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Butler County residents may schedule an appointment at self.itfrontdesk.com or by calling 513868-9300, option 1. Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:

■ Most recent utility bills ■ A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)

■ Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)

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

■ Proof of disability (if applicable)

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1.

Applications for the HEAP Winter Crisis program must be received by March 31, 2022. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2022. For more information on the programs, visit energyhelp. ohio.gov.

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