CIRCLEVILLE, OH — The Ohio Department of Development, in collaboration with Pickaway County Community Action (PICCA), is once again offering the Summer Crisis Program to help Ohio families stay cool during the hot summer months. From July 1 through September 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance with their electric bills, purchase an air conditioner or fan, or make repairs to their central air conditioning units.
The program provides essential support to low-income households, those with a disconnection notice, those who have been shut off, those trying to establish new service, and households with an elderly member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation of the need for cooling assistance due to health conditions. Qualifying medical conditions include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and more.
To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for families of up to seven members, or at or below 60% of the State Median Income for families of eight or more. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $54,600.
In 2023, the Summer Crisis Program helped over 44,000 households in Ohio, providing $13.4 million in benefits. To apply, clients must schedule an appointment with PICCA by calling (740) 889-1040. Necessary documents for the appointment include:
- Copies of recent energy bills
- A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Physician documentation of the need for cooling assistance for health reasons (if no household member is over the age of 60)
Nick Pruitt, PICCA’s Utility Assistance Director, emphasized the importance of having all required documentation for the appointment to avoid delays in assistance. “In the wake of the pandemic, energy costs continue to rise, but our staff will do everything we can to help families in need. In 2023, PICCA assisted 386 households through the HEAP Summer Crisis program alone. We’re seeing record numbers for utility assistance, but we can’t help unless we have everything the program guidelines require,” Pruitt said.
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the criteria may also be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and the application process, contact PICCA at (740) 477-1655. To connect with your local Energy Assistance Provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about their work at development.ohio.gov.
