March 15, 2019 – The Ohio Development Services Agency is reminding Ohio residents that they may apply for Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) until March 31, 2019. HEAP services provide applicants who are at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level with an assistance benefit to help pay utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the fuel supplier.
Customers who are in danger of having their utility bills disconnected or have had their utilities disconnected may also apply for a LIHEAP Crisis Assistance benefit. Other requirements to qualify for LIHEAP crisis assistance in Ohio includes having less than 25% supply of deliverable fuel, or a furnace in need of repair or replacement in order to properly operate. The deadline for the crisis assistance benefit is March 31, 2019.
Applicants who would like to apply for LIHEAP are reminded to bring the following documentation to their appointment:
• Most recent utility bills.
• A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers).
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months of proof of income preferred).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• Proof of disability (if applicable).
Ohio prioritizes their vulnerable population. These members include eligible applicants who are 60 years or older and/or disabled. Eligible vulnerable populations will receive an increased monetary amount in their benefit. Elderly members are also prioritized in the application delivery, as elderly members will get their HEAP applications by the US Postal Service first.
LIHEAP benefits, eligibility guidelines and operating dates vary from grantee to grantee. One grantee may require certain documentation for eligibility while another state does not. You can learn more about each state’s LIHEAP application requirements and operating dates on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse’s State and Territory Plans, Manuals and Delegation Letters web page.
Source: media reports
