The Ohio Department of Development and Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission want to help alleviate the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep more of Ohio’s families warm.
From Nov. 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.
The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, those required to pay for a service transfer, and those with a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) default or who need to make their first PIPP payment.
It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $54,600.
Last year, the Winter Crisis Program assisted nearly 77,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $23.5 million in benefits.
“When temperatures drop this winter, no one should have to worry about if they can afford to keep their home warm,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development.
“Every year, this program serves as a lifeline for thousands of Ohioans, ensuring they can stay safe and comfortable during our coldest months.”
If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, please contact Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission’s 24 hour appointment hotline at 419-219-4641 or visit our website www.nocac.org to schedule an appointment.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
•Copies of their most recent energy bills, if available
•A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member
•Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
•Proof of disability, if applicable
For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.