Winter crisis utility program continues through March

Lorain County Community Action Agency is continuing to offer its Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, throughout Lorain County during March. HEAP provides eligible individuals with financial assistance with their utility bills during the winter months, according to a news release. To be eligible for HEAP, you must live at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, the release said. The Winter Crisis program began in November and operates until March 31. The program also can assist residents who have had their utilities turned off, the release said. Additionally, funds for assistance for Columbia Gas customers are available until they are depleted, the release said.

To be eligible for HEAP, you must live at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line, the release said.

Customers do not have to be in disconnect status or on Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus through the Community Action Agency to use this one-time $250 benefit, the release said. To be eligible for this assistance, clients must: • Be a Columbia Gas customer • Live at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line • Have used the Winter Crisis benefit Winter Crisis benefits are available only once per season, according to the release. There are five HEAP sites in Lorain County. The newest offices are inside the Lorain County Community College campus in North Ridgeville, 32121 Lorain Road, and inside Ohio Means Jobs Lorain County, 42495 North Ridge Road in Elyria. “With these new offices, there are at least two places for people to receive help almost every day of the week,” said Cindy Hicks, client services specialist. The main office at 936 Broadway in Lorain is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with appointments and walk-ins seen all day. The Elyria office behind St. Agnes Church at 611 Lake Ave., is open on Mondays and Tuesdays with an emphasis on walk-ins. Walk ins are received from 8-11 a.m., Mondays and all day on from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays. Appointments are only available from 1-4 p.m., Mondays. The Wellington Office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, and sees walk-ins only in the morning and appointments in the afternoon. The North Ridgeville office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays, and walkins will in the morning and appointments in the afternoon. At Ohio Means Jobs customers should sign in at the reception desk and an advocate will call them, the release said. The office will open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every other Friday and walkins available in the morning and appointments in the afternoon. Upcoming dates for this satellite location include March 1, 15 and 29. All HEAP offices are closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. daily. You must be seated with an advocate 45 minutes before closing in order to complete your application, the release said. In addition to HEAP, Winter Crisis and Columbia Gas funds, all offices can process applications and updates to the Plus Program. Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus customers must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Line and be customers of a regulated utility, the release said. Customers pay a percentage of their income to their utility companies at a consistent level year round. The Community Action Agency’s automated appointment line includes a recorded message describing the documents needed for the appointment. Those needing to do so also may speak to a representative during regular office hours. Residents who have received a disconnect notice especially should call the HEAP hotline at 855-8069620 to make an appointment. The automated line is available for appointments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Utility companies will hold your disconnect if you have made an appointment to determine your eligibility, the release said. However, your appointment must be no less than 48 hours before your disconnect is scheduled and you must keep your appointment to maintain that hold on your account, according to the release. Rescheduling removes the hold and you may lose service.