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Winter Crisis Program

The Winter Crisis Program provides financial assistance for household heating utilities that are in danger of being shut off, as well as assistance for the purchase of bulk fuels such as heating oil, propane, coal, and wood.

Households with incomes below 175% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for services.

Eligible households with less than 25% of fuel may receive a one-time delivery of bulk fuel or propane valued at up to $1200.

Regulated utility customers may receive assistance up to $175, while unregulated utility customers may receive assistance up to $800 to:

– Prevent disconnection of service
– Restore utility service
– Transfer utility service
– Establish new utility service

Required Documentation

Completed Application

Copies of most recent Energy bill

A list of all household members and proof of income for the lat 30 days.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members; (Social Security cards and Birth Certificates)

Proof of disability, if applicable

Current electric and gas bills

Proof of SNAP, Tanf, HUD, Utility Check, Child Support

Rental Agreement/Landlord Info include name, address, and telephone number

Tax transcript if you have been unemployed for more than 12 months

CLICK HERE TO PRINT APPLICATION

Send Application to;
HEAP Program
155 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950

Community Action Commission of Belmont County Offers Winter Crisis Program to Help Belmont County Residents Keep the Heat On

More than 73,000 Ohio Households received help last year St. Clairsville, Ohio – CAC of Belmont County and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS} want to ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio families warm. Beginning Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time help with their home heating bill through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (WCP}. The program runs through March 31, 2027.

“As household budgets are further stretched by rising costs for everyday necessities, the Winter Crisis Program provides an invaluable lifeline to residents facing a heating emergency during the coldest months of the year. If you are struggling to pay your heating bill, facing disconnection, or have already lost service, please contact our HEAP department at 740-695-2405.” said Alai re Gompers, Executive Director of the Community Action Commission of Belmont County.

WCP assists Ohioans who are facing service d,isconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.

To qualify, a household must have a gross ·annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.

Last year, WCP helped more than 73,000 Ohio households, providing $25.5 million in benefits.

To apply residents of Belmont County can find all information, a document list, email link directly to our office and printable applications on our website at h!clap@cacJ::>_eJmon!.org. You can also visit our HEAP office.

Our hours of operation are Mon- Thurs. 8:00-4:30 & Fri. 8-12 Ohioans can also start an application online and find their local energy assistance provider at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Applicants should bring copies of the following:

  • Their most recent energy bills (electric and gas if applicable)
  • A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for each member
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
  • Proof of disability, if applicable

Households served by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility
must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another payment plan if an outstanding balance remains on the utility bill after receiving assistance. For more information about the WCP and what is needed to apply, contact HEAP at (740)695-2405 or email heap@cacbelmont.org To be connected with your local energy assistance provider, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

The Community Action Commission of Belmont County (CAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, promoting self-sufficiency, and improving the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Belmont County. Through a wide range of programs and services, CAC addresses critical community needs. Our mission is to empower
individuals and families, strengthen our communities, and create opportunities for a more stable and secure future.

Questions or Appointments

If you have any questions about the program, please call the HEAP office at
740-695-2405. or email the HEAP office at heap@cacbelmont.org.

Please note: We do accept walk-ins, no appointment needed.
Lobby Hours are Monday – Thursday from 8am-12pm & 1pm – 4pm, open Friday 8am – 12pm.

Email Winter Crisis Program