Ways to get help with winter heating bills

Households that are struggling to keep the heat on this winter may have several options for help.

Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program provides one-time assistance with home heating bills for income-eligible residents.

The program is intended for Ohioans who are facing service disconnection, have already lost service, need to start new service, or must pay to transfer service.

It also helps households that have 25% or less of bulk fuel left in their tanks so they can keep their service going.

To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that equals $57,750.

The program will remain available through March 31, 2027.

Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said the program is available to families dealing with a shutoff or low fuel supply. “If you are struggling with your energy bill, assistance may be available.”

Last year, the program assisted more than 73,000 Ohio households and distributed $25.5 million in benefits.

Ohioans can begin an application online, but they must make an appointment with their local energy assistance provider to finish the process.

Depending on the agency, appointments may take place in person or by phone. The application and a list of providers are available at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Applicants should 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
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
• Proof of disability, if applicable

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has also issued its own special winter reconnect order.

The order allows customers served by PUCO-regulated utilities to reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service during the winter heating season.

Under the PUCO order, customers must pay their utility no more than $175, plus any reconnection charge, which cannot exceed $36. If the reconnection charge is higher than $36, the amount above that limit may be added to the customer’s next monthly bill.