Emergency HEAP helps those in need of home heating assistance
COSHOCTON – The Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission’s Emergency HEAP continues to help those in need of home heating assistance. Emergency HEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Assistance that provides financial assistance to low-income households that are threatened with disconnection from their heating source, or have already had service disconnected. Those households serviced by a PUCO-regulated utility are encouraged to sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plus Plan (PIPP Plus) or an alternate budget payment plan in order to receive energy assistance. Households utilizing bulk fuel must have a tank containing less than 25 percent of its capacity. Income documentation for all household members along with social security numbers, electric and gas bills, and other documentation must be presented at the appointment. Income guidelines are based at 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and are as follows: Household size of one may earn up to $20,422.50, household of two $27,527.50, household of three $34,632.50, household of four $41,737.50, household of five $48,842.50 and household of six $55,947.50. Income may also be calculated using the past three months, whichever benefits the client. Households claiming zero income will be subject to providing an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Status Transcript. Households claiming zero income for the past three years will be reviewed by the state grantor, and every HEAP application is subject to random audit by the State Development Services Agency. PIPP Plus customers have a lower income eligibility threshold. Approved applicants will also have their application automatically transmitted to the State HEAP office, where additional assistance may be available under the Regular HEAP program.
Eligible households may receive financial assistance once per heating season. The HEAP heating season is through March 31. The benefit amounts are as follows: PUCO regulated gas or electric customers may receive a benefit of up to $175, non-regulated electric or gas (i.e. co-ops) may receive a benefit amount up to $550. Income eligible bulk fuel customers may receive up to $450 for wood or coal, up to $750 is available for bulk fuel propane/bottled gas and fuel oil consumers.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, phone the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission’s HEAP office at 622-9801.
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