The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance to Ohioans who need help managing their energy bills. A federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, HEAP provides a one-time payment for public utilities.
Regular HEAP: resumes October 2026
Winter Crisis Program: November – March
The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service.
Ohio households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the bill after receiving assistance.
Summer Crisis Program: (July 1 - September 30th)
Summer Crisis Program Begins July 1- More than 55,000 Ohio households served in 2025
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP).
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households and those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air conditioning, or those with a household member age 60 or older and/or a household member with a documented medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $57,750.
Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 55,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $12.4 million in benefits.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
- Copies of their most 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 that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health.
Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may also be eligible for assistance, or central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities at 877-770-5558. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
How to Apply
To apply for HEAP assistance, you need to fill out an application. If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please call Direction Home at 877-770-5558.
For more detailed information on HEAP eligibility, click here.
*Please note that eligibility and benefits may vary between Regular HEAP programming and Crisis (Summer and Winter) HEAP programming.
To turn in your fully completed application, please check drop-off processes for your local Community Action Agency. This can vary from location-to-location.
Portage: Community Action Portage County website ; Contact CAC for more information at 330-297-1456 or via email at info@cacportage.net
Stark: Community Action Stark County website; For more information, contact the HEAP Office, located at 1370 Market Avenue North, Canton OH 44714, or call 330-617-1055 to schedule an appointment.
Summit: Community Action Summit County website; HEAP appointment line at 330-436-0261; You may also drop off or mail the completed application and all required documentation at 670 W. Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44302
Wayne: Community Action Wayne County website; 905 Pittsburgh Ave, Wooster, OH 44691; (330) 264- 8677