MARIETTA, Ohio (AVC News) — Income-eligible Ohioans can begin applying July 1 for assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program, which helps families stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
The program, offered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Buckeye Hills Regional Council and local Community Action Agencies, runs through Sept. 30.
Eligible households may receive help paying electric bills, restoring or establishing electric service, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or repairing a central air conditioning unit.
The program serves low-income households, those facing utility disconnection or shutoff, and families with a member age 60 or older or someone with a qualifying medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory illnesses that require air conditioning.
To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for families of up to seven people. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $57,750.
More than 55,000 Ohio households received assistance through the Summer Crisis Program last year, with benefits totaling $12.4 million.
Jennifer Westfall, Aging and Health Director for Buckeye Hills Regional Council, said extreme summer temperatures can create both financial and health challenges for many families. She praised local Community Action Agencies for helping connect residents with available assistance during the summer months.
Residents must schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Agency and provide recent utility bills, proof of income, identification, and any required medical documentation.
The program is available through:
- HAPCAP for Athens, Hocking and Perry counties.
- Guernsey-Monroe-Noble Tri-County Community Action Commission for Guernsey, Monroe and Noble counties.
- Washington-Morgan Community Action for Washington and Morgan counties.
- Gallia-Meigs Community Action for Gallia and Meigs counties.
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) may also qualify for assistance through the Summer Crisis Program.
For more information or to locate a local energy assistance provider, residents can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Last Updated on July 1, 2026 by AVC News
