Winter Heating Assistance Available

The Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission’s Emergency HEAP Winter
Crisis Program is assisting eligible households with home heating bills. Winter
Crisis Program is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio
Development Services Agency, Office of Community Assistance that provides
financial assistance to low-income households that are threatened with
disconnection from their heating source, or have already had service
disconnected. Those households serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility are
encouraged to sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plus Plan (PIPP Plus)
or an alternate budget payment plan.  Eligible households include those in
disconnect status or notice of disconnection, transferring or establishing new
service. Households utilizing bulk fuel must have a tank containing less than 25% of
its capacity.  Income documentation for all household members along with social
security numbers, electric and gas bills, photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship/legal
residency for all household members, proof of disability if disabled, and other
documentation must be presented.  Income guidelines are based at 175% of the
Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below
$48,562.50. Income may also be calculated using the past 30 days which for a
family four is at or below $3,991.44. Approved applicants will also have their
application automatically processed for the Regular HEAP program, where
additional assistance may be available.
Eligible households may receive financial assistance once per heating season.  The
HEAP heating season is November 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023.  The benefit amounts
are as follows:  PUCO regulated gas or electric customers may receive a benefit of up
to $175, non-regulated electric or gas (i.e. co-ops) may receive a benefit amount up
to $750.  Income eligible bulk fuel customers may receive up to $550 for wood or
coal, and up to $900 is available for bulk fuel propane/bottled gas and fuel oil
consumers. Assistance for furnace repair is also available up to $500.
To learn more or to apply, phone the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action
Commission’s HEAP office at 397-0378. For the safety and well-being of
community and staff, the application process must be started via phone only, no in-
person applicants.