The Ohio Department of Development, in partnership with the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission, is stepping up to provide crucial assistance to low-income households during the hot summer months in Columbus. With scorching temperatures expected, the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program will offer financial aid to help families stay cool. From purchasing air conditioning units to providing subsidies for energy bills and covering the costs of necessary A/C maintenance, this initiative will run until September 30th, giving households the support they need to manage the heat.
If you’re a resident with an annual income of less than $54,600 for a family of four, which is 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can take advantage of this lifeline program. It offers assistance to those who have been disconnected from their services, are currently facing disconnection, or are starting new services. Moreover, the program caters to families with elderly members aged 60 and above and those who require air conditioning due to medical reasons, which are approved by a doctor. The medical conditions that qualify for the program include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and severe respiratory problems that involve lung disease.
Over 44,000 households were provided with approximately $13.4 million in benefits by the Summer Crisis Program in the previous year, emphasizing the crucial requirement for such aid throughout the state.
Governor DeWine has recently announced an innovative plan to improve nursing home care in Ohio. The plan includes several measures aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided to residents in these facilities. The Governor has emphasized the importance of ensuring that nursing home residents receive the best possible care. This plan is a step towards achieving that goal and improving the lives of Ohio’s elderly citizens.
To apply, individuals are required to contact the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission at 419-281-4327 and schedule a visit. In case there isn’t a qualifying elderly member in the household, applicants must provide copies of their recent energy bills, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, evidence of income for every member of the household in the last 30 days or 12 months, and proof of medical necessity for cooling assistance.
If you meet the necessary criteria, you may be eligible for assistance with your default PIPP payment, as well as with the initial PIPP payment or mandatory maintenance of your central air conditioning. Additionally, if you qualify, you may receive a fan or air conditioner.
To learn more about the Summer Crisis Program or to apply, residents can visit https://www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or contact the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission. Another option is to call the statewide hotline at (800) 282-0880 to reach a local Energy Assistance Provider. Ohio’s commitment to assisting its citizens in coping with the harsh summer heat is evident in this program’s emphasis on the health and safety of its most vulnerable populations.
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