Ohio households facing utility shutoffs or running low on heating fuel can apply for one-time state assistance starting Sunday, Nov. 1.

The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis) helps families who have been disconnected, face disconnection, need to establish new service or must pay to transfer service, according to the Dayton Daily News. Income-eligible households with 25% or less of bulk fuel in their tanks may also qualify.

The program runs through March 31, 2027.

Last year, more than 73,000 Ohio households received a combined $25.5 million in benefits through the program. For residents in Evendale, Woodlawn, Sharonville and Springdale, the aid comes as electricity costs climb statewide. The average retail price of residential electricity in Ohio rose about 56% from July 2016 to July 2026, according to WVXU, citing U.S. Energy Information Administration data.

Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), said the program serves families facing a shutoff or running low on fuel. "If you are struggling with your energy bill, assistance may be available," Damschroder said.

Who qualifies

Households must have a gross annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that cap is $57,750.

How to apply

Applicants can start the process online at energyhelp.ohio.gov, but they must schedule an appointment with a local energy assistance provider to complete it. Appointments may be in person or by phone, depending on the agency. A full list of providers is available on the state website.

Applicants should bring:

  • Most recent energy bills
  • A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
  • Proof of disability, if applicable

PUCO reconnect order also in effect

Separately, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued a special reconnect order in late September covering the winter heating season from Oct. 12 through April 16, 2027. Customers can reconnect or maintain service by paying up to $175, plus up to $36 upfront toward any reconnection fee. Any remaining fee may appear on the next bill.

Households served by a PUCO-regulated utility that receive Winter Crisis assistance and still carry an outstanding balance must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan or another payment plan, according to Spectrum News.

Rachel Sheets of Butler County's community action agency, SELF, told WVXU that families at or below 175% of the federal poverty line could potentially receive three forms of payment assistance per year: the Home Energy Assistance Program, a summer crisis program and the winter crisis program.

Applications open Sunday, Nov. 1, at energyhelp.ohio.gov.