The Ohio Department of Development and West Ohio Community Action Partnership will help income-eligible Ohioans stay warm during the cold winter months. The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying a utility or bulk fuel bill or assistance paying for heating system repairs. The program runs from November 1, 2022, until March 31, 2023.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with West Ohio Community Action Partnership. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 419-516-0063.

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);

Last year more than 594 families in Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer Counties were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

Eligible households can receive up to $175 if they are a client of a regulated utility, or $750 if they are a client of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill or applied to heating system repair costs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.

For more information about the features of the Winter Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact West Ohio Community Action Partnership at 419-227-2586. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.