An annual statewide program to help families beat the heat and stay cool this summer starts next month, the Ohio Department of Development announced.

From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the agency’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.

The program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with a person 60 years or older living in the home who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma and others.

“We’re proud to partner with community action agencies across the state to deliver this critical support during the hottest months of the year,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program. “Time after time, this program has proven to be a vital lifeline for countless Ohioans when temperatures start to rise.”

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of up to eight members, and 60% of the state median income for a family of nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $56,262.50.  

Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing $13.5 million in benefits.  

A new, streamlined online portal will be available at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

To get started, Ohioans must register for an OHID account, which provides a secure and convenient way to access their HEAP account.

Registration takes less than 7 minutes and can be completed in these steps:

• Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov, and click “Log into the EA portal.”

• Click “Create an OHID,” and follow the six-step account creation process.

• Ensure account security by setting up multi factor authentication.

Ohioans can start their application online but must schedule an appointment with their local Energy Assistance Provider to complete the application. Depending on the agency, the appointment may be in-person, on the phone or virtual. The application and list of providers can be found online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Ohioans also can call 800-282-0880 to find their local provider. Hearing-impaired customers may dial 711 for assistance.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• 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 noting that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, if there isn’t a member older than the age of 60.

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus program who meet the above criteria may be eligible for central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and / or fan. 

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.