◢ Ohio · Utility Assistance · 2025-2026 Season
Ohio's energy assistance program is called Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP). Below: the current income table, benefit amounts, apply link, and hotline.
Season
Regular HEAP: application window July 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (one benefit per program year).
Benefit range
Regular HEAP: one-time bill credit typically $175 to $600 sized to household energy burden.
Income standard
175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for households of 8 or fewer.
◢ Income eligibility
Gross income for the calendar month before you apply. If your household is at or below the limit, you qualify.
| Household size | Max monthly gross | Max annual gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,282 | $27,388 |
| 2 people | $3,084 | $37,013 |
| 3 people | $3,886 | $46,638 |
| 4 people | $4,689 | $56,263 |
| 5 people | $5,491 | $65,888 |
| 6 people | $6,293 | $75,513 |
| 7 people | $7,095 | $85,138 |
| 8 people | $7,897 | $94,763 |
| 9 people | $8,090 | $97,076 |
| 10 people | $8,282 | $99,390 |
Source: Ohio state agency. Verified 2026-08-24. Some households above these limits may still qualify for crisis benefits.
◢ How much you can get
Regular HEAP: one-time bill credit typically $175 to $600 sized to household energy burden. Winter Crisis benefits capped by fuel type: regulated electric or natural gas up to $175; unregulated (municipal or co-op) utility up to $750; bulk fuel (propane, oil, kerosene) up to $1,200; coal or wood up to $650; heating-unit repair or replacement up to $1,500.
◢ Beyond the regular grant
Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is not automatic based on income. The household must have a documented crisis: disconnection or disconnect notice, service already terminated, need to establish or transfer service, or 25% or less of bulk fuel remaining. Payments go directly to the vendor. Only one WCP benefit per heating season.
Summer Crisis Program (SCP) runs July 1 through September 30 for households with a member age 60+, a documented medical need, or a PIPP Plus enrollee. SCP provides utility bill assistance, air-conditioner purchase (up to $800 for window unit or up to $1,000 for heat pump), or fan distribution.
◢ How to apply
Ohio accepts Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) applications through multiple channels. Pick the one that fits your situation. Regular benefits are first-come, first-served, so apply as soon as the season opens.
Online via energyhelp.ohio.gov (fastest; secure document upload)
In person at your local Energy Assistance Provider (typically Community Action Agency)
By mail using the HEAP application from development.ohio.gov
Call 1-800-282-0880 for local EAP referral or application status
◢ What to bring
Every Ohio household filing for Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) needs the same core paperwork. Gather these first so the caseworker can process the application on the first visit.
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate for every adult in the household.
Pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSI/SSDI statement, unemployment benefit letter, or a signed self-employment statement.
Lease, mortgage statement, or a recent utility bill in your name at your current address.
Most recent bill from your primary heating source, plus SSNs for everyone in the household.
◢ Local offices
Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is processed at the county level in Ohio. Emergency benefits, in-person applications, and case questions all go through your county's Department of Social Services or equivalent office.
Local office
614-252-2799
Local office
216-361-0718
Local office
513-569-1840
Local office
330-376-7730
Local office
937-341-5000
◢ If your application is denied
Denial is not the end. Federal rule requires every Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) denial notice to name the specific reason and give you an appeals path. Work through this order.
Look for the specific reason (income over limit, missing document, wrong heating source on file). Most denials are documentation issues, not eligibility.
In Ohio, you generally have 60 days from the notice date to request a fair hearing. Do it in writing and keep the confirmation.
If the denial was for a missing document, you can typically reapply the same day with the corrected paperwork. No 30-day wait for documentation fixes.
If shutoff is imminent while you appeal, 211 routes to Ohio community action agencies, faith-based emergency funds, and utility hardship programs that fill the gap.
◢ Official resources
Bookmark these. Every eligibility rule, dollar amount, and season date on this page traces back to one of these primary sources.
Ohio Development: HEAP Program
development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/1-home-energy-assistance-program
Ohio Development: Winter Crisis Program
development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/winter-crisis-program
Ohio EnergyHelp application portal
energyhelp.ohio.gov/
LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Ohio State Profile
liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Ohio.htm
◢ Ohio utility questions
Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) uses 175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for households of 8 or fewer. Households of 9 or more use 60% of State Median Income. Verified against Ohio Development Services Agency 2025-26 HEAP program materials and Pathway Toledo 2025-26 Winter Crisis Program flyer. A one-person household must earn under $2,282 per month, with limits scaling by household size. The full table is above.
Regular HEAP: one-time bill credit typically $175 to $600 sized to household energy burden. Winter Crisis benefits capped by fuel type: regulated electric or natural gas up to $175; unregulated (municipal or co-op) utility up to $750; bulk fuel (propane, oil, kerosene) up to $1,200; coal or wood up to $650; heating-unit repair or replacement up to $1,500.
Regular HEAP: application window July 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (one benefit per program year). Winter Crisis Program: November 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026 for households facing disconnection, disconnected already, or with 25% or less bulk fuel remaining.
Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is not automatic based on income. The household must have a documented crisis: disconnection or disconnect notice, service already terminated, need to establish or transfer service, or 25% or less of bulk fuel remaining. Payments go directly to the vendor. Only one WCP benefit per heating season. Call the emergency line at Contact your local Energy Assistance Provider (EAP) directly; find yours at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Summer Crisis Program (SCP) runs July 1 through September 30 for households with a member age 60+, a documented medical need, or a PIPP Plus enrollee. SCP provides utility bill assistance, air-conditioner purchase (up to $800 for window unit or up to $1,000 for heat pump), or fan distribution.
Most states require: proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, SSI/SSDI award), a recent utility bill or lease, and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. Bring citizenship or eligible-immigration documents if requested.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We do not administer Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP) or process applications. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the Ohio state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
