More than 73,000 Ohio households received help last year

Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer Counties in OHIO – West Ohio CAP and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) want to help ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio families warm. Beginning Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time help with their home heating bill through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (WCP). The program runs November 1 through March 31, 2027.

“The Winter Crisis Program is here to provide support so that people can stay safe, healthy, and warm through our coldest time of year.” Kris Keller Community Service Director, West Ohio CAP.

WCP assists Ohioans who are facing service disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.

To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.

Last year, WCP helped more than 73,000 Ohio households, providing $25.5 million in benefits.

To apply, residents of Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer Counties must schedule an appointment with West Ohio CAP. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 419-495-0200. You can apply by completing a paper application in office Allen- 540 S Central Ave Lima, Auglaize- 38 E Auglaize Ave Wapakoneta, or Mercer- 441 E Market St Celina. Depending on the agency, appointments may be in person, by phone, or remote. Ohioans can also start an application online and find their local energy assistance provider at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Applicants should bring copies of the following to their appointment:

• Their most recent energy bills
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for each member
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
• Proof of disability, if applicable

In order to get help with your heating bill, you will need to complete our application along with ALL of the required documents including proof of income for everyone in the household, proof of citizenship for everyone in the household, and utility account information.

Households served by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another payment plan if an outstanding balance remains on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

For more information about WCP and what is needed to apply, contact West Ohio CAP at 419-227-2586. To be connected with your local energy assistance provider, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.