Energy bill help available for older Ohioans

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

HEAP helps eligible households — those at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for up to eight members, and 60% of the state median income for households of nine or more — pay their heating bills. The benefit is applied directly to a customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill.

Older residents can visit their local Area Agency on Aging office for help with documents and completing the application, or apply online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

When applying, individuals should have copies of:

— 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, or 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 energy bills after Jan. 1. Applications must be received by May 31, 2026.

For more information or help applying, contact the Cadiz Senior Center at 740-942-3238. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, call 800-282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711) or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.