Portage County winter heating assistance application period for 2023 ending March 31

Diane Smith, Record-Courier
·2 min read

The last day to apply for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through the Community Action Council of Portage County for this winter is Friday, March 31.

The Home Energy Assistance Program helps households that are at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines:

  • $31,868 per year for an individual.

  • $43,120 for a two-person household.

  • $54,373 for a three-person household.

  • $65,625 for a four-person household.

See the entire list of federal poverty guideline here.

Any individual or family who meets the income guidelines and has a disconnection notice or has less than a 10-day supply of a bulk fuel and has not applied for Emergency HEAP since November 1, 2022, may be eligible for assistance.

Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income and proof of citizenship. Other documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.

Customers of Dominion East Ohio Gas or Ohio Edison can receive up to $175 to restore or maintain utility service. Users of fuel oil and propane may receive a benefit of up to $900, and coal or wood users may receive up to $550.

Appointments are available for this season’s emergency program. Call-ins are still available Monday through Thursday between 8 and 10 a.m. by calling 330-297-1456 and pressing 1 for HEAP or 0 for reception. These same-day appointments are limited and are first-come, first-served. The last call-in must be signed in by 10 a.m. CAC of Portage County conducts all appointments via telephone interview.

To make an appointment call 234-703-4303 or go online to https://app.capappointments.com. For additional information call 330-297-1456 and press 0 for the receptionist.

Applicants can continue to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP+) year round, and the regular HEAP program through May 31.

Customers should pay close attention to utility bill messages to find out when to re-verify for the PIPP+ program. They must re-verify before the date stated on your bills to prevent being dropped from the PIPP+ program. Those who are dropped can sometimes have a very difficult time getting re-enrolled. All PIPP+ customers must pay the PIPP amount in full and on time each month in order to avoid PIPP default.

To enroll or re-verify for the PIPP+ or Regular HEAP programs, make an appointment at 234-703-4303 or go online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

For more information on the programs, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call Community Action Council of Portage County at 330-297-1456.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Winter heating assistance ending March 31