Agencies remind older Ohioans help is available with heating bills

The Ohio Department of Development and the Area Agency on Aging, Region 9, are reminding older Ohioans that help is available to pay home energy bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

HEAP assists Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for households of up to eight members and 60% of state median income for households of nine or more members. The benefit is applied directly to a customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill and can help manage heating costs.

Older Ohioans can visit their local Area Agency on Aging office for help assembling required documents and completing an application. Applicants also can apply online or download an application at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

When applying, individuals need to have copies of the following documents:

• Most recent utility bills.

• A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers).

• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types).

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.

• Proof of disability (if applicable).

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1. Applications for the HEAP program must be received by May 31.

For more information or assistance with applying for a HEAP benefit, contact HARCATUS Carroll County Community Services Office at 330-627-4101.

To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, call 800-282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.