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Ohioans can start getting the help they need with their heating bills beginning this month

The Ohio Department of Development announced Nov. 1 that income-eligible Ohioans can receive help through the department’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program, according to a department media release.

The release said from Nov. 1 to March 31, 2025, Ohio residents that are income-eligible who are facing service disconnection, are already disconnected, need to establish new service, are required to pay for a service transfer, have a Percentage Income Payment Plan default or need to make their first Percentage Income Payment Plan payment can receive help through the program.

The program also helps households with 25% or less of the bulk fuel they need in their tank to maintain service, according to the release.

“Qualifying households must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level,” the release said. “For a family of four that is $54,600.”

The program helped nearly 77,000 households and provided a total of $23.5 million in benefits, according to the release.

“When temperatures drop this winter, no one should have to worry about if they can afford to keep their home warm,” ODD Director Lydia Mihalik said in the release. “Every year, this program serves as a lifeline for thousands of Ohioans, ensuring they can stay safe and comfortable during our coldest months.”

If there is still an outstanding balance after a household receives help from the program and the household is serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulated utility then it must sign up for the Percentage Income Payment Plan or other payment plan, the release said.

Application for the program can be started online but Ohio residents must make an appointment with their local energy assistance provider to finish the application and depending on the agency the appointment could be in-person, by phone or remotely.

Households need to bring copies of their most recent energy bills, if available; a list of all household members; proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member; proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all members; and proof of disability, if applicable, to their appointment, according to the release.

Program applications, a list of energy assistance providers and more information about the program can be found at energyhelp.ohio.gov.