The Ohio Department of Development and Lifeline, Inc. will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1, 2022, until September 30, 2022.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Lifeline, Inc. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 440-381-8230.

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).

The Information and Assistance Specialists from the Lake County Council on Aging will be assisting Lifeline, Inc. at local senior centers throughout the summer months to help screen individuals for the Summer Crisis Program. They will be available to answer questions regarding the required documentation and application process, as well as assisting with scheduling appointments.

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.

Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above 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 about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact the Lake County Council on Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at 440-205-8111.  To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.