Winter Crisis Program

The emergency Winter Crisis Program will accept applications for assistance from November 2, 2009 through March 31, 2010. This program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, need service, transferring utility service, or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel. Those households serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility may also sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) in addition to receiving emergency benefits. Bulk fuel users must certify in writing that they have less then a 25% supply of bulk fuel in order to be eligible. Emergency HEAP can also help pay for heating system repairs (furnace repair) in certain cases.

An application for assistance must be completed at our main office (location/map) or at one of our Ohio Health clinic locations. The main office accepts the first 25 walk-ins from 8:30 A.M. to 10 A.M., Monday through Friday. It is important that you call for an appointment after the walk-in hours or for assistance at one of the Ohio Health Clinics. All clinic locations are by appointment only. All offices are closed between the hours of 12 P.M. to 1 P.M., Monday through Friday. By calling our Interactive Voice System (IVR) you can make an appointment at any time; day, night, holiday, weekend or workday, just phone 1-866-861-6399. Our hours of operation for appointments are 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with an exception of Wednesdays, when appointments are scheduled until 6:30 P.M. NOTE: For appointment at outreach clinic site, click on clinic locations link above for schedule.

Winter Crisis Program Eligibility Requirements:

Households whose gross income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the Emergency Program. A household whose total income during the past 3 months is equal to or less than the following maximums may be eligible:

1. Picture I.D.
2. Social Security Numbers for all household members age 2 or older.
   
3. Proof of all income for the past 90 days must be presented at time of application for all household members, except wage income earned by dependent minors under the age of 18.
4. The gas and electric bill, regardless of status and/or your bulk fuel invoice or bill.
5. If disabled, you must submit proof of disability
6. If you are required to make a co-payment, you must bring verification of that payment. If your AEP electric service is off and a reconnection fee is needed, you will need a receipt to show you paid the reconnection fee.