Ohio Offers Utility Assistance Year Round
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- Category: Helping Hands Blog
- Created: Thursday, 13 May 2010 19:00
- Last Updated: Friday, 28 October 2011 15:37
- Published: Thursday, 13 May 2010 19:00
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Ohio Offers Utility Assistance Year Round
The state of Ohio has developed several government funded programs to help those who may be disabled, elderly or have a low income. Assistance is available for both gas and electric bills in the programs that I'm about to mention. These programs range from reducing heating bills and/or a set amount based on income which is to be paid each month. Usually eligibility for these programs is based on household income. Here's some quick information that can help you or a loved one warm up or cool down during the appropriate seasons. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) This program is designed to help eligible Ohioans with low income meet the high costs of home heating. It pays for one bill for most PUCO regulated utility customers. Individuals who wish to apply must be at or below 175 percent of the 2009-2010 federal poverty guidelines. Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) PIPP allows eligible individuals to make affordable energy payments. There are several programs within PIPP, which include: • Standard PIPP Program • PIPP Balanced Payment Plan • Three Percent PIPP • Arrearage Crediting Program To learn more about these programs you can visit the Ohio Utility Bill Assistance website. Winter and Summer Crisis Programs These programs are special components of HEAP that provides heating and/or cooling assistance once or twice a season. Those wanting to apply for the Winter Program must not have heat, are threatened with disconnection or have less than a ten day supply of bulk fuel. The summer crisis program is low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions or disabilities. For more information about these programs, please contact your local community action agency.
