HEAP helps eligible households with heating costs

Older Ohio residents who are struggling with heating bills may be eligible for help through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Bridges Community Action Partnership are reminding residents that HEAP offers financial assistance to qualifying households to help cover home heating expenses.

The program is available to households with income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for families of up to seven members.

Households with eight or more members must fall within the income limit of 60 percent of the State Median Income.

Approved benefits are paid directly to a customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel account.

Older adults can contact their local Area Agency on Aging for help collecting the needed documents and completing an application.

Applications may also be filed online or downloaded from energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Applicants will need copies of their most recent utility bills, a list of everyone in the household with birth dates and Social Security numbers, and income verification for all household members.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency is also required, along with documentation of disability when applicable.

Applications must be received by the stated deadline.

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact Bridges Community Action Partnership.