The Ohio Development Services Agency and Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill. The program runs from July 1st until Sept. 30.
To apply for the program, clients are required to complete an intake process with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission.
Clients need to provide copies of the following documents:
- Their most recent energy bills (electric and heating);
- A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member;
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members;
- Photo ID;
- Proof of disability (if applicable);
- Social Security numbers for all household members;
- Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60);
- Proof of service disconnection or threat of disconnection if not over 60 or medical eligibility.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), or those who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, or have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Medical conditions for those qualifications can include such things as lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma.
The total benefit amount payable to the electric utility is up to $500 for PUCO regulated utilities, and $800 for non-PUCO (co-ops) or up to $500 may be available for repair of a central air conditioning unit. Also, qualifying households may also be eligible for an air conditioner and/or fan, if the household has not received this benefit in the past three program years. Households do not have to be in disconnect status if a household member is over 60 or has a documented medical condition; however, those in disconnect status must receive utility assistance before additional benefits will be considered.
Income guidelines are at 175% of the federal poverty level. A family of four may earn up to $3,991.44 in the past 30 days. Due to COVID-19 concerns, for the safety of staff and clients, there will be no face-to-face intake. Applications will be completed via phone interview once all the required documentation is completed and submitted.
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program or to start the application process, contact Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland CAC at 740-397-0378. For more information about Energy Assistance Programs, call 800-282-0880, (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) and for a list of energy assistance providers, select Option 2 or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
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