COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Income-eligible Ohio residents can now apply for assistance with cooling costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program.
The program, offered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in partnership with local energy assistance providers, runs through Sept. 30 and helps qualifying households pay electric bills, purchase an air conditioner or fan, or make repairs to a central air conditioning system.
The program is available to low-income households that have received a utility disconnection notice, have already had service disconnected, are establishing new electric service, require air conditioning for health reasons, or include a household member who is at least 60 years old or has a documented medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another qualifying illness.
To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for families of up to seven people, or 60% of the state median income for larger households. For a family of four, the maximum annual income is $57,750.
More than 55,000 Ohio households received assistance through the Summer Crisis Program in 2025, with more than $12.4 million distributed statewide.
Applicants must schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider and bring recent utility bills, proof of income, documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, proof of disability if applicable, and physician documentation if cooling assistance is medically necessary.
Households enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) may also qualify for assistance with air conditioning repairs or receive an air conditioner or fan if they meet program requirements.
In southeastern Ohio, older adults can contact the Area Agency on Aging, Region 9, at 800-945-4250 for information or assistance with the application process.
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by AVC News
