TROY — The Ohio Department of Development and Miami County Community Action Council (CAC) want to remind Ohioans assistance is available to help with their home energy bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay a portion of their heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, transferring services, establishing new services, have a PIPP default or are at or below 25% fuel, may also be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which started on Nov. 1, 2022. An appointment is required for assistance through the Winter Crisis Program.

Ohioans can visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider. Miami County residents can contact Miami County CAC at 937-335-7921 for assistance.

Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application: most recent utility bills, a list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers), proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types), proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members and proof of disability, if applicable.

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1. If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, please contact Miami County CAC or your local Energy Assistance Provider. A list of providers can be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Applications for the HEAP Winter Crisis program must be received by March 31, 2023. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2023. For more information on the programs, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call your local Energy Assistance Provider.