Department of Development | News Room

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR EMERGENCY HEATING ASSISTANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson announced today that qualified Ohioans threatened with losing their heating services have until March 31, 2004 to apply for assistance through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP). Applicants may still apply by mail for the regular portion of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through May 31, 2004.

“Individuals threatened with losing their heating source have only a few more weeks to apply for assistance,” said Johnson. “So far, more than 200,000 households have received benefits totaling nearly $40 million through the 2003-2004 Regular HEAP and EHEAP Winter Crisis Program.” The Ohio Department of Development’s Community Development Division administers both programs.

Households in danger of having, or that have already had, their main or secondary heating source disconnected may be eligible to receive EHEAP funds up to $175. Those households with less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel are eligible to receive up to $250 to restore or continue their heating service. In addition, the EHEAP Winter Crisis Program can also pay for heating system repairs in certain cases. A household can receive this assistance once per winter season.

Eligible households can apply for the EHEAP Winter Crisis Program at a local community action agency. Agency staff will conduct face-to-face interviews to complete the application process. Applicants must have a copy of their utility bill and documentation of income. Households whose gross income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the EHEAP. Eligibility is based upon either income over the past three months or by using a 12-month income test.

For more information, call the toll free HEAP hotline at 1-800-282-0880, Monday through Friday. Those who have Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) can call 1-800-686-1557 toll-free, or visit the HEAP Web site at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/.

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