Programs to help with Winter heating bills

Winter Crisis Program (Emergency Energy Assistance Program)

The Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible low-income households that are disconnected or threatened with disconnection. 

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) is a federally-funded low-income residential energy efficiency program. Services include attic, wall and basement insulation; air sealing; heating system repairs or replacements; and health and safety testing and inspections.

Income Eligibility (for both programs)

The total household income of an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

# of persons in household     Max Income

1                                         $21,600

2                                         $29,140

3                                         $36,620

4                                         $44,100

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) On November 1, 2010, a new PIPP was launched. The new program, called PIPP Plus, will make monthly payments more affordable on a year-round basis. And if the PIPP Plus household pays the monthly PIPP Plus payment on-time and in-full, some of their old debt and the rest of that month's bill will go away in the form of a credit on their utility account. What will my monthly payment be?

• Natural gas: $10 or 6 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.
• Electric: $10 or 6 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.
• All-electric homes: $10 or 10 percent of your gross monthly household income each month, whichever is greater.

Households with a gross yearly household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to participate in PIPP Plus. ($16,245 for 1 person; $33,075 for a family of 4.)

How do I sign up for these programs?

Call (800) 282-0880, TDD (800) 686-1557 or write to P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0583. HWAP applications may also be downloaded from the Ohio Department of Development Web site (http://www.development.ohio.gov/community/ocs/Documents/2010-11HEAP.pdf)

or picked up at community action agencies, post offices and libraries. Note: Each household should mail only one application.

Note: Applications for the Winter Crisis Program are accepted through March 31.

For more information about any of these programs, contact Jayme Lucas at Collinwood & Nottingham Villages Development Corporation at 216-383-9772.