Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides Ohio households with an annual cash grant to help pay for home heating and cooling costs. It was created for people with low income who are having trouble paying their home energy bills.

HEAP grants in Ohio can be used for attic insulation, floors, and exposed water pipes. They can also be used for the tune-up, repair, or replacement of heating units or air conditioners in your home.

How does the Ohio HEAP program work?

Ohio HEAP helps Ohioans with low income stay safe and comfortable year-round. If you qualify, the program offers financial assistance for:

• Heating and cooling bills
• Weatherizing your home to save energy
• Small energy-related home repairs
• Emergency help if you're at risk of losing heat or power

HEAP provides help through a one-time grant. This benefit is applied directly to your main energy fuel account, starting in January.

Qualifying for HEAP does not mean you will get money. Each year, there is only so much HEAP money to go around. That means only some of the people who qualify will get help—about 1 out of every 5 households.

That’s why it is important to apply as soon as you can, before the application deadline. The sooner you apply, the better your chance of getting help.

Who can get help from Ohio HEAP?

To get help from this program, you must be an Ohio resident and own or rent the home where you live and have limited income. The program looks at your household income and your heating costs to decide if you can participate. Ohio residents with a household size of 7 people or less, and income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, are eligible for HEAP.

There may be other factors that will allow you to have a higher income and still get help from the program. In addition, you may still be able to get help from this program if your heat is included in your rent.

You can also get help in certain other situations as defined by the program. If your heating bill is not in your name, you may still be able to take part. If this is your situation, the amount of credit you receive could be reduced.

What decides my HEAP benefit amount?

How much help you get from HEAP depends on a few things, like:

• How much money your household makes
• What kind of fuel you use (like gas, electric, propane, or wood)
• Where you live in Ohio
• If you're also in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)—people in both programs usually get 75% less from HEAP because PIPP already lowers their bills

How do I apply for Ohio HEAP?

Here’s how you can apply for the HEAP program in Ohio. You can choose the way that works best for you:

1. Apply online

You can fill out the HEAP application using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Just go to EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov. Follow the steps on the website to answer the questions and upload your documents, like proof of income and a copy of your utility bill.

2. Apply in person or over the phone

You can call or visit your local Energy Assistance Provider. They can help you fill out the form and answer your questions. To find the provider near you, call 1-800-282-0880 or go to this website. You may need to bring documents like:

• A photo ID
• Proof of income
• A copy of your gas or electric bill

3. Apply by mail

You can also fill out a paper application and send it in by mail. To get a copy of the form, call 1-800-282-0880 or print it from the EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov website.

Fill out all the questions, attach your documents, and mail everything to:

HEAP
P.O. Box 1240
Columbus, OH 43216

No matter which way you apply, make sure your form is complete and your documents are included. If you need help, someone at your local office can walk you through it.

What happens after I apply for Ohio HEAP?

After you submit your Ohio HEAP application, it will be reviewed to see if you are eligible for help. This can take up to 90 days.

You will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or not. If you are approved, the HEAP payment will be sent directly to your gas or electric company. It will show up as a credit on your bill.

Visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov or contact your local energy assistance provider to check the status of your application. Click here to find your local agency.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help applying for Ohio HEAP. You can:

• Call the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

What if I cannot get help from HEAP?

If Ohio HEAP cannot help you, there are other things you can try:

1. Talk to your utility company

Call and tell them you are having trouble paying your energy bills. They may have a program to help people with low income. Some offer lower rates or payment plans.

2. Look for other assistance programs in Ohio

Ohio may have other programs that help people pay their energy bills. Ask around or check with your local Energy Assistance Provider.

3. Call a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to help them afford food, health care, and energy bills. Click here to see if there is a BEC in your area.