The HEAP Summer Cooling Program is designed to help with the costs of cooling homes during the summer months. Income eligibility is 175% of the federal poverty level. Funds are used to pay for electric bills and, in certain circumstances, for the purchase of an air conditioning unit.
The Summer Crisis Program provides assistance to low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation designating that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. The program runs from July 1 through August 31.
Eligible households can receive up to $300 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, $500 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities, such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, and/or an air conditioner for customers that meet age or medical requirements. Customers who have received an air conditioner within the last three years from this program are not eligible.
Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP PLUS) are not eligible for bill payment assistance through the program.
