Help with your
Ohio utility bills.
Ohio's energy help is a set of linked programs: the once-a-year Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the Winter Crisis and Summer Crisis programs, and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) for customers of regulated gas and electric companies.
Local Energy Assistance Providers take the applications and book crisis appointments. Call (800) 282-0880, or 711 if you are hearing impaired, to be directed to your local provider.
Eligibility
Ohio income limits
| Household size | Monthly gross income | Annual gross income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,295 | $27,930 |
| 2 people | $3,112 | $37,870 |
| 3 people | $3,929 | $47,810 |
| 4 people | $4,746 | $57,750 |
| 5 people | $5,563 | $67,690 |
| 6 people | $6,380 | $77,630 |
| 7 people | $7,197 | $87,570 |
| 8 people | $8,017 | $97,546 |
| 9 people | $8,191 | $99,667 |
| 10 people | $8,366 | $101,787 |
Source: Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP). Verified October 15, 2026.
Meeting the income guideline does not guarantee assistance. Other program rules and available funding apply.
HEAP under Job and Family Services since April 2026
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) took over these programs from the Department of Development on April 6, 2026. The state says there was no change in the application process, and energyhelp.ohio.gov now leads to ODJFS.
HEAP is a one-time benefit credited to your main heating account, as early as October. The amount depends on household income, fuel type, where you live in Ohio, and PIPP Plus enrollment, which brings a 75% HEAP reduction.
Applying online requires an OHID account and a computer browser; the portal does not work on a smartphone or tablet. ODJFS lists a 12-week processing time for online and mailed applications, and its HEAP page asks you to allow 90 days.
Winter Crisis and Summer Crisis by appointment
You can start either crisis application online, but you then need an appointment with your local provider. Winter Crisis serves households facing disconnection, already disconnected, starting or transferring service, or down to 25% or less of bulk fuel.
The most recent Winter Crisis season posted by ODJFS ran November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. PUCO-regulated customers who still owe after the payment must join PIPP Plus or another payment plan.
Summer Crisis runs July 1 to September 30. It helps with electric bills, central air repair, and air conditioner or fan purchases for households at or below 175% of poverty that have a member 60 or older, a doctor-documented cooling need, a shutoff notice, or a need to start electric service.
PUCO's $175 Special Reconnect Order
Any residential customer of a PUCO-regulated gas or electric company, at any income, can pay $175 plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36 to keep or restore service. It can be used once per heating season per utility, typically mid-October to mid-April.
No sign-up is needed: call your utility and mention the order. You still owe the remaining balance and must enroll on an extended payment plan. Households at or below 175% of poverty may get HEAP funds to cover the $175.
Source: PUCO: Special Reconnect Order
PIPP Plus: a bill sized to your income
If you heat with gas, you pay 5% of gross household income on the gas bill and 5% on the electric bill each month. If you heat with electricity, you pay 10%. The state covers the rest, with a $10 minimum monthly payment.
Make 24 on-time, in-full payments and your old balance with the utility is eliminated. You must re-verify income every year and be caught up by your Anniversary Date, the day you signed up, or you can be dropped.
PIPP Plus is open to households at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines whose gas or electric company is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Want to see where other states draw the income line for energy help? Check our table of LIHEAP income limits nationwide.
Ways to apply for HEAP
- Online with an OHID through the ODJFS energy assistance page (not on a smartphone or tablet)
- In person or by phone through your local Energy Assistance Provider
- By mail: send the signed Energy Assistance Application (JFS 00330) and documents to your local Energy Assistance Provider
- Call 1-800-282-0880 to be directed to your local provider
Ohio county offices for HEAP
Local agencies in Ohio's largest counties. Confirm the current provider for your address.
Other help in Ohio
Other programs that may help your household.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) + Winter Crisis Program (WCP)
Since April 6, 2026, ODJFS administers HEAP, PIPP Plus and the crisis programs. Applications still go through local Energy Assistance Providers and the online portal.
Ohio applies a 75% HEAP reduction to households enrolled in both HEAP and PIPP Plus. Your local Community Action Agency can explain the exact amount on your account.
Households reporting zero income for two or more seasons must provide a filed IRS 1040, a tax transcript or proof of non-filing.
Total gross household income for the past 30 days, or 12 months if you have it, for every member. Wages earned by dependent minors under 18 are left out.
PUCO allows the $175 to be split between two regulated utilities if both have disconnected you or are threatening to. You must contact both companies to arrange it.
Download form JFS 00330 from ODJFS, or pick one up at your local Energy Assistance Provider or an Area Agency on Aging. Mail it to your provider, and sign it, since an unsigned form slows processing.
Official resources
Official links
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains benefit programs and links to official resources. We do not approve benefits or process applications.
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