Ohio Updates
Application Process for Energy Assistance Programs in
Response to COVID-19
The Ohio Development
Services Agency (Development) and
the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. are
working to help keep Ohioans safe during this time of
emergency. Recently, Governor Mike
DeWine declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and
Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH has
issued orders to limit social interactions to prevent the
spread of COVID-19.
Effective immediately,
Ohioans who are enrolling in the Percentage of Income
Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) for the first time, applying for
Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program, or have
limited income, are no longer required to visit a local
Energy Assistance Provider in order to complete an
application. Those wanting an application mailed to them may
contact the Area Office on Aging at 419-382-0624.
Ohioans can visit
www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application and
upload the required documents prior to their appointment. If
you do not have access to the internet and/or cannot upload
your documentation, the local Energy Assistance Provider can
complete your application over the phone.
For a list of required
documentation or to schedule an appointment call,
Pathway at 419-242-7304.
“Working with our local
providers, we have been providing Ohio families with the
support they need to manage their energy bills, and now this
support is even more important,” said Lydia Mihalik,
Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “The
online application, in a normal scenario, makes it easier to
apply and reduces the length of an in-person appointment,
but now it is providing a bridge to assistance during an
incredibly difficult time.”
Development will also
extend the Winter Crisis Program (WCP) until May 1, 2020 to
align with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s
extended Winter Reconnect Order and the regular Home Energy
Assistance Program (HEAP) will be extended until June 1,
2020.
Development’s Interactive
Voice Response phone lines will not be available, however
Ohioans may continue to call
(800) 282-0880 and select option
2, to be transferred to their local Energy Assistance
Provider.
The Home Energy Assistance Winter
Crisis Program helps income-eligible Ohioans pay their
heating bills and can assist with fuel tank placement, fuel
tank testing and furnace repair. Ohioans must have a gross
income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to
qualify for WCP and HEAP assistance. For a family of four
the annual income must be at or below $45,062.50. Ohioans
must have a gross income at or below 150% of the federal
poverty guidelines to qualify for PIPP. For a family of four
the annual income must be at or below $38,625.00.
Ohioans that have a regulated utility
and have been issued a disconnect notice are eligible for a
one-time WCP benefit if they have not already received a WCP
or regular HEAP benefit.
For more information about the
features of the Winter Crisis Program locally and what is
needed to apply, contact the Area Office on Aging at
419-382-0624. Additional information can also be found at
www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
or by calling (800) 282-0880.
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