Ohio residents in need of heating bill assistance are urged to act before the deadline of March 31. The Washington-Morgan Community Action and the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program are offering financial support to income-eligible households, with specific criteria and deadlines in place.
According to the Marietta Times, applicants must provide various documents to qualify, and missing the scheduled appointment could lead to consequences. Further details on the program’s offerings are available for those who need help before the cold weather persists.
How to Apply for Assistance
To apply for heating bill assistance, Ohio residents must first schedule an appointment with Washington-Morgan Community Action by calling 740-370-1328. Walk-ins are only accepted in emergency situations, based on availability.
During the appointment, applicants are required to bring several key documents, including proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, and full names, birth dates, and Social Security Numbers of all household members.
If applicable, proof of disability should also be provided. Additionally, applicants must present copies of their most recent energy bills, which must be in the name of an adult household member.
If the utility bills are in the landlord’s name, proof that the household is responsible for the payment is also needed. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documentation may be required. Missing any required information will prevent the application from being processed.
Financial Assistance Details
The amount of financial assistance a household may receive varies based on their heating source and utility provider. Eligible households could receive up to $175 if they use regulated utilities like AEP and Enbridge.
For those using unregulated utilities, such as electric cooperatives, the assistance can go up to $750. Households using firewood or coal as their heating source may receive up to $650, while those relying on bulk fuel for heating can qualify for up to $1,200 for fuel delivery.
Additionally, homeowners may be eligible for heating system repair assistance, which can amount to $1,500.
This program is available only once per winter season, between November and March, and to qualify, the household’s gross income must be at or below the designated income thresholds.
Emergency situations and missed appointments
Regulated utilities such as AEP and Enbridge may offer a one-time hold for scheduled appointments, but missing the scheduled appointment may result in utilities being shut off. It’s important to keep your appointment to avoid this risk.
In addition to the Winter Crisis Program, Ohioans can apply for the regular HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) credit, which is designed to help with the overall cost of heating bills. Applications for regular HEAP are open through May 31.
However, due to reduced federal funding, benefit amounts for 2025 may be lower than in previous years.
For those who are not facing a heating emergency but need to verify their PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) or apply for regular HEAP, they can complete an online or paper application at Energy Help Ohio.
Please note that paper and online applications cannot be used for the Winter Crisis/Emergency HEAP program.
It is essential for residents to schedule and keep their appointments to avoid the risk of their utilities being shut off.
For more information on the Winter Crisis Program, Ohioans can contact Washington-Morgan Community Action at 740-373-3754 (Washington County) or 740-962-3827 (Morgan County).
