Governor Announces Qualified Ohioans Are Eligible for Winter Heating Assistance
COLUMBUS, OHIO (October 22, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that the State of Ohio will provide financial assistance to qualified, low-income Ohioans struggling to pay high winter heating bills.
"With cold weather approaching, the Home Energy Assistance Program will continue to help low-income Ohioans who can't afford expensive heating bills," said Taft. "I encourage all Ohioans who are unable to afford the cost of high heating bills to take advantage of this program."
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), administered by the Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD) Community Development Division (CDD), helps eligible households with heating costs during the winter months, when it's most expensive.
Qualifying for HEAP depends on the size of the household and the total gross household income. The maximum incomes allowed for HEAP eligibility are listed below.
Size of Household
Total Gross Household Income
1
up to $13,470
2
up to $18,180
3
up to $22,890
4
up to $27,600
5
up to $32,310
6
up to $37,020
7
up to $41,730
8
up to $46,440
For households with more than eight members, add $4,710 per member.
A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 12 months for all members, except wage or salary income earned by the dependent minors under 18 years old. Both renters and homeowners are eligible for assistance. Families living in federally-subsidized housing, where the heat is included in the rent, are not eligible for HEAP.
Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2004 and are available at: HEAP Office (77 S. High St., 25th Floor, Columbus); HEAP Web site (www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/); Local Community Action Agencies; Local Libraries; County Departments of Job and Family Services; Area Agencies on Aging; and Local Utility Offices.
Applicants must provide proof of income for the 12 months, a copy of a recent fuel/utility bill and a signed application for approval.
For more information, call the toll-free HEAP hotline at 1-800-282-0880, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The hearing impaired may call 1-800-686-1557. Participants may visit the HEAP Web site at www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/.
