HEAP program provides assistance with heating bills
COSHOCTON – The recent bitterly cold may leave a greater impact than what’s been seen in the past few days. When those heating bills arrive next month, help is available for those in need of assistance.
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission’s Emergency HEAP program continues to provide assistance with home heating bills. Emergency HEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Development, 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% 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% of the Federal Poverty Level and are as follows: Household size of one may earn up to $20,107, household of two: $27,142, household of three: $34,177, household of four: $41,212, household of five: $48,247 and household of six: $55,282. Income may also be calculated using the past three months, whichever benefits the client. 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 now thru 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 $450. Income eligible bulk fuel customers may receive up to $350 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, call the Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission’s HEAP office at 622-9801.
Category: People & Places
