According to the Ohio Department of Development, the Summer Crisis Program helped more than 44,000 Ohio households last year by providing assistance with electric bills, air conditioners, fans, and cooling system repairs. Summer heat can be dangerous for older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes who worry about running the air conditioner because of high electric bills. Fortunately, Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) opens July 1 each year to help qualifying households stay safe during the hottest months.
“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. “Time after time, this program has proven to be a vital lifeline for countless Ohioans when temperatures start to rise.”
Officials encourage eligible residents to apply early because appointments and certain equipment benefits may be limited. Here are five cooling assistance options available beginning July 1.
1. Help Paying Your Electric Bill
Eligible households can receive a one-time payment that is sent directly to their electric utility to reduce or eliminate outstanding balances. Customers served by regulated utilities may qualify for up to $500, while households served by municipal utilities or electric cooperatives may qualify for up to $800. This assistance can help prevent service disconnections during periods of extreme heat. Benefits are paid directly to the utility provider rather than to the applicant, helping households reduce overdue balances or avoid service disconnections during dangerous heat.
2. Assistance Purchasing an Air Conditioner or Fan
Some eligible households can receive help purchasing a window air conditioner or fan instead of—or in addition to—bill assistance. This option is especially helpful for seniors whose homes lack adequate cooling equipment or whose existing units no longer work properly. Because air conditioners and fans are distributed on a limited basis in many communities, local agencies often encourage eligible seniors to schedule appointments as soon as applications open on July 1…