HEAP Summer Crisis Program helps residents beat heat

The Home Energy Assistance Program Summer Crisis Program has been cool relief for the over 100 Lake County residents who have so far been approved for the service.

This year’s program, through Lifeline, Inc., the county’s community action agency, began July 1.

Applications have been steady, the organization reports, especially during the extreme heat the region experienced in mid-July.

“July and August can be two extremely hot months in Ohio, and that can take a toll on older Ohioans and Ohioans with breathing conditions,”

said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.

In just the first month of the 2019 program, over 135 Lake County households have applied, with over 110 having received assistance, including the distribution of 32 window air conditioners and six fans.

In 2018, more than 310 families in Lake County were assisted.

Lifeline Director Carrie Dotson said this summer, with several days into the mid- to upper-90s, has already been a hot one.

“Our goal with the Summer Crisis Program is always to keep our most vulnerable residents, the elderly and those with health

issues, safe, cool and comfortable in the summer months.”

The program assists lowincome households with an older household member (60 or older) or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health.

According to the community agency, conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

Eligible households can receive up to $300 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $500 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities, such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities.

The assistance is applied to utility bills or applied to central air conditioning repair costs. Eligible customers can also apply to receive

a window air conditioner.

Window air conditioners are extremely limited and will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Applicants must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance, Lifeline confirms. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $45,063.

As the eligibility guidelines have changed from last year’s program, participants are recommended to contact the Lifeline, Inc. Energy Assistance Office at 440-350-9160 or www. lclifeline.org to see if they meet eligibility guidelines

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program are not eligible for bill payment assistance through the program, but are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 Lake County

to identify other opportunities for aid.

The Lifeline, Inc. Energy Assistance Office will offer both scheduled appointments and walk-in hours each week.

A limited number of walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m.

Only customers who meet the eligibility requirements and have all required documentation will be able to complete their application process.

Required documentation includes photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of all household gross income for the last 30 days, plus current gas and electric bills and name of fuel oil carrier, if applicable.

Self-employment and seasonal work will require 12-month income and all tax forms, including Schedule C for 2018.

If not available, tax transcripts will be required. If the applicant is moving,

pending account numbers must be provided for new utility accounts.

If any utilities are included in applicant’s rent, a current lease copy will also be required. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Appointments can be scheduled at 866-223-1471 or https://capappointments. com/CapAppointments. aspx.

The phone line will also give callers a list of the required documents needed to complete an application.

Through a partnership with the Lake County Council on Aging, Lifeline will be offering appointments specifically for senior citizens at a variety of Lake County senior centers throughout August.

Lifeline staff will be at the Kirtland Senior Center on Aug. 6; the Mentor Senior Center on Aug. 8; the Willowick Senior Center on Aug. 20; the Eastlake Senior Center on Aug. 27; and the Madison Senior Center on Aug. 29.

Additional senior centers

Eligible households can receive up to $300 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $500 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities, such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities.

may be scheduled. All appointments will be made between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and can be scheduled by calling the senior centers directly.

For more information on the HEAP Programs, contact Lifeline, Inc.’s Energy Assistance Office, located at 54 S. State St., Suite 303 in Painesville.

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program runs through Aug. 30.