HCCAO Summer Crisis Program starts July 1
The Ohio Department of Development and Highland County Community Action 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 or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1-Sept. 30, 2023.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Highland County Community Action. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (937) 393-3458 – Hillsboro Office or (937) 981-9718, option 3 – Greenfield Office.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
• Copies of their most recent energy bills.
• 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.
• Proof of disability (if applicable).
• 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).
Last year, more than 384 families in Highland County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
“Whether it’s stopping a disconnect notice, paying to fix a central air unit, providing an A/C or enrolling someone on PIPP, the Summer Crisis Program ensures that Highland County’s most vulnerable residents keep cool during the hot summer months,” said Tianna Sammons, Director of Social Services for HCCAO. “My hope is that this program will help to provide a bit of relief to those that need it the most, especially our seniors.”
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma.
Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill, or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs.
Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $52,500.
Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance toward their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact any of the Outreach Staff at (937) 393-3458 – Hillsboro Office or (937) 981-9718, option 3 – Greenfield Office. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places and businesses. Learn more about at development.ohio.gov.