How Ohio's HEAP Energy Assistance Program Works — and What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Ohio runs its version of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under the name HEAP — the Home Energy Assistance Program. It is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, having previously been under the Ohio Department of Development. HEAP is delivered locally through Community Action Agencies across the state. Ohio's version of HEAP has several distinct components that operate on different schedules and serve different situations. This guide will help you find, and understand, which one applies to you matters before you apply.
Standard HEAP — Help with Heating Bills
Standard HEAP provides a one-time credit applied directly to your utility or bulk fuel bill once per heating season. The money doesn't come to you — it goes straight to whoever supplies your heat. The actual amount you receive depends on your household size, income, primary heating source, where in Ohio you live, whether anyone in the home is disabled or age 60 or older, whether a child under five lives in the home, and whether your household is enrolled in PIPP Plus.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for households of up to eight members. For nine or more members, the limit shifts to 60% of the state median income. Income is measured against either the past 30 days or the past 12 months — whichever presents the fuller picture of your situation. Wages earned by dependent minors under 18 are excluded.
Applications open July 1 and are accepted through May 31. HEAP benefits are applied to your account starting in January, so applying early doesn't speed up the credit, but it does protect you: PUCO-regulated utilities must hold off on disconnection for 30 days after a customer submits a HEAP application. That protection can matter if you're close to a shutoff while waiting.
Apply online at https://www.energyhelp.ohio.gov, where you'll need to create an OHID account to access the portal. You can also call 1-800-282-0880 to be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, or schedule an appointment through your local Community Action Agency. Paper applications can be downloaded from energyhelp.ohio.gov.
- You'll need proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members 18 and older, proof of citizenship or legal residency for everyone in the home, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members, and your most recent utility bills. Processing can take up to 12 weeks, so applying as early as possible in the July opening is worth it.
Winter Crisis Program — Emergency Help November Through March
The Winter Crisis Program runs from November 1 through March 31. It is for households facing an immediate heating emergency: a disconnection notice, service already shut off, the need to establish or transfer service, or a bulk fuel tank at 25% or less. The income limit is the same 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. The maximum benefit paid per year is generally higher than standard HEAP because it is intended for genuine emergencies.
Unlike standard HEAP, you cannot mail in a form for the Winter Crisis Program. You must schedule an appointment with your local Community Action Agency, because the program requires an in-person review of your situation. If you have a PUCO-regulated utility and receive Winter Crisis assistance while carrying an outstanding balance, you'll generally be required to enroll in PIPP Plus or another payment plan at the same time.
Ohio also has a Winter Reconnect Order that operates separately from HEAP with no income requirement. If your service has been disconnected or you've received a shutoff notice during heating season, you can have service restored by paying either the total amount owed or $175, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36. This applies once per heating season and is available to any Ohio residential customer of a regulated utility regardless of income. Emergency HEAP funds can be used toward that $175 payment if you also qualify for the Winter Crisis Program.
Summer Crisis Program — When Heat Becomes a Health Risk
The Summer Crisis Program runs from July 1 through September 30. It is for households where extreme summer heat poses a genuine health risk — specifically, homes with someone age 60 or older, a person with a documented medical condition affected by heat, or a child under five. Help can cover electric bill assistance for cooling costs or, in some cases, the purchase or installation of an air conditioning unit or fan - see our guide to free air conditioners and cooling equipment The same 175% federal poverty guideline income limit applies. Applications go through your local Community Action Agency during the program window.
PIPP Plus — Keeping Bills Manageable Year-Round
PIPP Plus is Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan which is under the HEAP benefit. It is available year-round to customers of regulated electric and gas utilities with income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Instead of paying your full utility bill each month, you pay a fixed percentage of your household income — 5% each to your gas and electric accounts if you heat with gas, or 10% to your electric account if you heat with electricity only. The minimum payment is $10 per month regardless of income.
Every on-time, in-full PIPP Plus payment earns a 1/24th credit toward your outstanding balance. Make 24 consecutive on-time payments and any remaining arrearage is forgiven entirely. New PIPP Plus customers don't pay a security deposit and aren't charged late fees. You must re-verify your income every 12 months to stay enrolled. Enroll through your local Community Action Agency — you can do this any time of year. See the NHPB Ohio community action agency page.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)
HWAP is also run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The program makes physical improvements to your home to reduce how much energy you use going forward, which lowers your bills permanently rather than just helping pay one season's costs.
The income limit for HWAP is higher than HEAP's — up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines — which means some households that don't qualify for HEAP may still qualify for weatherization. If you've received SSI, TANF, or standard HEAP in the past 12 months, you're automatically income-eligible without needing to prove income separately. Priority goes to households with members who are 60 or older, have disabilities, or include children, and to homes with especially high energy costs relative to income.
The process starts with a home inspection to identify the most effective improvements for your specific home. A qualified crew then does the work at no cost — insulation, air sealing, heating system repair or replacement, efficient lighting, and other measures the audit identifies. Both homeowners and renters can apply; renters need landlord consent before work begins. Waiting lists are common, so applying early is worth it.
To apply for HWAP, check the weatherization box when completing your HEAP application at energyhelp.ohio.gov, or contact your local HWAP provider directly. Find your county's provider through energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 1-800-282-0880 for a referral.
Watch Out for Fake HEAP Enrollment Services
Each July when HEAP opens, fraudulent "enrollment assistance" services often appear online and on social media claiming they can get you approved faster, secure a larger benefit, or guarantee your application won't be rejected — for a fee. None of this is true. HEAP applications are free, processed in the order received regardless of how they're submitted, and no outside service can affect your benefit amount or speed up processing. Apply directly at energyhelp.ohio.gov or through your local Community Action Agency at no cost.
This page provides general educational information about Ohio's HEAP, Winter Crisis Program, Summer Crisis Program, PIPP Plus, and Home Weatherization Assistance Program. It is not legal or financial advice. Benefit amounts, income limits, program dates, and administering agencies are subject to change. Confirm current details with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or your local Community Action Agency before applying.
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