HEAP Winter Crisis Program
The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, have PIPP default, need to pay first PIPP, or have 25% (or less) supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service.
The program runs from November 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023. Ohio households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the bill after receiving assistance.
Who is Eligible for the Winter Crisis Program?
Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines that are facing disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, have PIPP default, need to pay first PIPP, or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank are eligible for the program.
For November 2022-March 2023, the income levels are:
| Size of Household | Total Household Income 12 Months |
|---|---|
| 1 | up to $23,782.50 |
| 2 | up to $32,042.50 |
| 3 | up to $40,302.50 |
| 4 | up to $48,562.50 |
| 5 | up to $56,822.50 |
| 6 | up to $65,082.50 |
| 7 | up to $73,342.50 |
| 8 | up to $81,602.50 |
For households with more than eight members, add $8,260 for each additional member.
A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.