Money is available to help Scioto County residents stay cool this summer. The Ohio Development Services Agency has teamed up with CAO of Scioto County to help folks in need.
The Summer Crisis Program helps Ohioans:
- Pay electric bills
- Purchase air conditioners or fans
- Pay for repairs to central air
The assistance is available from now until September 30. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the eligibility requirements are looser this year. The length of the program is also extended.
“This year, we’ve extended the length of the program and expanded eligibility requirements so we can help more Ohioans during this health crisis,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency said. “We’re working with CAO of Scioto County every day to help Ohioans in need.”
500 Families Helped
Last year over 500 Scioto County families received help through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
This year even more families could be eligible. A lot of folks lost income due to the COVID-19 shutdown plus the eligibility guidelines have changed.
Who’s Eligible?
Let’s break down just who can get this aid. To qualify, your household must meet one of the following guidelines:
- Have a household member 60 years or older
- Provide documentation from a doctor that someone in the household has a health problem that requires air conditioning. Those health problems include lung disease, Chronic, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and more.
- Someone in the home was diagnosed with COVID-19
- You have a disconnect notice
- Utilities were shut off or you are starting a new service.
Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level guidelines to qualify. For a family of four that would put it at $45,850 dollars or lower.
Up to $500
If you qualify, your household could get up to $800 in assistance with utility bills. Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
How To Apply
Call CAO HEAP at 740-354-7541 for more information or to set up an appointment. In-person and phone appointments are available. Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start the application prior to the required appointment.