The Ohio Development Services Agency wants to remind Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.

Applied directly to the customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill, the benefit can help manage heating costs. This is not an emergency program. HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1st

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider (EAP). When applying, individuals need to have copies of the following documents:

  • Most recent utility bills.
  • A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers).
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types).
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
  • Proof of disability (if applicable).

The Lake County Council on Aging is able to assist seniors over the age of 60 and disabled adults under 60 apply for HEAP. No appointment required. Applicants will need to provide the above listed documents. Please call the Council on Aging at (440) 205-8111 for more information.

Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, or have been disconnected from their utility service, may also be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which starts on November 1, 2019. Individuals applying for the Winter Crisis Program must apply through Lifeline, Inc. and a face-to-face appointment is required. Walk-in appointments are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis at 7:30 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Individuals must have all required verifications to be seen as a walk-in appointment. Customers can also call 1 (866) 223-1471 to schedule an appointment.

Applications for both programs must be received by March 31, 2020.  For more information on HEAP, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880. Hearing-impaired customers can dial 711 for assistance.