Home Energy Assistance Program helps Ohioans

If you need help paying for winter heating bills, HEAP might be able to help you. 

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits can be applied to an energy bill after Jan. 1.

Applications for HEAP must be received by May 31. HEAP helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills. Anyone who is age 18 or older can apply for this assistance. People who are age 60 or older can get assistance with filling out the application. All heating types are eligible for energy assistance programs – electric, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, and kerosene.

For more information about HEAP, including a list of required documents, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144 or 800-860-5799. They can be reached Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider, call 800-282-0880 (hearing-impaired clients can dial 711 for assistance) or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, Ohio. The organization provides leadership, collaboration, coordination, and services to older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and resource networks that support individual choice, independence, and dignity. Call 419-524-4144 to reach the agency.