HEAP Summer Crisis underway

The Ohio Development Services Agency and Geauga County Job and Family Services are working to help Ohioans

The Ohio Development Services Agency and Geauga County Job and Family Services are working to help Ohioans maintain their utility service through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.

The program helps income-eligible residents pay an electric bill, purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs.

The program will run through Sept. 30.

“This year, we’ve extended the length of the program and expanded eligibility requirements so we can help more Ohioans during this health crisis,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “We’re working with Geauga County JFS every day to help Ohioans in need.”

The Summer Crisis Program serves to assist low-income households with an elderly household member — 60 years or older — or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health.

Examples of conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Households that have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in 2020, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off or are trying to establish new service on their electric bill are also eligible for assistance, according to the program.

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application prior to their required appointment.

All appointments will be held over the phone. To schedule an appointment, call 440-285-1299.

In addition, eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility. The assistance is applied to the utility bill, to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs.

Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $45,850.

Also new for 2020, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program who meet the detailed criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information, contact Geauga County Job and Family Services at 440285-1299.

Additional information can also be found at www. energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880.