To learn more call (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service. The program runs from November 1 until March 31. Ohio households, serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility, must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) or another payment plan in order to receive emergency benefits.
Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines that are facing disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank are eligible for the program.
| Size of Household | Total Household Income 12 Months |
| 1 | up to $21,857.50 |
| 2 | up to $29,592.50 |
| 3 | up to $37,327.50 |
| 4 | up to $45,062.50 |
| 5 | up to $52,797.50 |
| 6 | up to $60,532.50 |
| 7 | up to $68,267.50 |
| 8 | up to $76,002.50 |
For households with more than eight (8) members, add $7,735 for each additional member.
A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
You can begin your application online at energyhelp.ohio.gov but will need to complete the application at your local Energy Assistance Provider. When you apply, you will need to complete the Energy Assistance Application (English or Spanish) and submit a copy of the following documents:
Please contact your local Energy Assistance Provider for a list of all required documents. Depending on your income type, additional forms may be required. Samples of the additional forms can be found by clicking here.
Don’t forget to sign the application. Not signing the application will delay the application process.
If you’re applying by mail, send your application and required documents to:
HEAP
P.O. Box 1240
Columbus, Ohio 43216
Click the link to download a copy of the Energy Assistance Program application (English or Spanish). Applications are also available at your Local Energy Assistance Provider, local libraries, county departments of Job and Family Services, and Area Agencies on Aging.
To apply online, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.
You can apply for assistance through the HEAP Winter Crisis Program once a program year.
Families who live in federally subsidized housing where the heat is included in the rent are not eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program.
Household income is defined as the total annual gross income before taxes (minus exclusions) of all household members, except earned income of dependent minors under 18 years of age. All income and allowed exclusions must be documented for household members 18 years of age and older regardless of relationship to the primary applicant. Heads of households and spouses may never be considered minors. Gross household income includes wages, interest, dividends, annuities, and pensions.
Included (Countable) Household Income
Excluded Household Income
Yes, you can apply for assistance through the HEAP Winter Crisis Program if you have applied for HEAP. When you contact your local Winter Crisis provider, let them know that you may be disconnected from your utility service and have applied for HEAP. A list of providers can be found here.
You will need to call your local provider to schedule an appointment. A list of providers by county can be found here. Most agencies will accept walk-ins. If you are homebound and unable to travel to the local agency, the agency will determine a time for a home interview.