ARE YOU HOT ?! The HEAP Summer Crisis Program is here to help!
The 2024 Summer Crisis Program (SCP) will provide eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. Household income must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and household’s must have at least one additional eligibility criteria listed below:
- A household member who is age 60 or older.
- A household member has a documented medical condition verified by a licensed medical professional who is qualified under Ohio law to write prescriptions.
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) customers are eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
- A household’s electric utility has a disconnect notice, has been shut off, or new electric service is being established for the household. These households may also receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan or central air conditioning repairs if the household can maintain electric service for 30 days.
This year the program will be open July 1 – September 30, 2024. The maximum benefit amounts for the 2024 program are: $500 for customers of regulated utilities and $800 for customers of unregulated utilities (municipal utilities or cooperatives). Air conditioning units and/or fans may only be provided to eligible customers who have not received an air conditioning unit or fan in the last three years. Up to $1500 for central air conditioning repair.
The utility assistance benefit is separate from the additional benefit. Households may receive the maximum utility assistance benefit towards their electric bill and still receive an additional benefit (i.e., central air conditioner repair, air conditioner unit, and/or fan).
Percentage of Income Payment Plan applications are currently being processed. Applications are currently being accepted by walk in only at 789 North Nelson Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177 from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, closed 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm for lunch. If you are elderly and/or disabled and cannot come to the office, please contact Becky at Community Action, 937-382-8365 to see if you would be eligible for a home visit.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (also called “Regular HEAP”) – is a federally funded program designed to help income-eligible Ohioans with their winter heating bills. Client can apply online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or in person at Community Action, 789 North Nelson Avenue, Wilmington, OH. The program runs from July 1 to May 31, 2025. Clients at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) receive a benefit in the form of a direct payment toward their main heating account. HEAP benefits are typically credited directly towards the eligible client’s energy heating bill beginning in the month of January.