Summer cooling assistance available
Last year the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.
The Ohio Department of Development and HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action Organization Inc. are offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air-conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air-conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air-conditioning, or those with an elderly household member age 60 years or older or a household member who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and others.
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members and 60% of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $54,600.
Last year the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits.
To apply for the program, clients must schedule an appointment with HARCATUS local community services offices in Cadiz, Carrollton or Dover. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 855-806-9650.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
—Copies of their most recent energy bills.
—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.
—Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60.
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus program who meet the above criteria also may be eligible for assistance toward their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment or central air-conditioning repairs or may receive an air-conditioning unit and/or fan.
Visit HARCATUS at www.harcatus.org/heap. To be connected to your local energy-assistance provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.