ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Community Action Commission of Belmont County will begin taking applications July 1 for the HEAP Summer Crisis Program. The program runs until Sept. 30.

The program assists income eligible households with an older household member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning.

Eligible households can receive up to $500, if they are a client of a regulated utility; or $800, if they are a client of an unregulated utility and/or an air conditioner to clients that meet age or medical requirements and have not received one in the last three years.

Ohioans must have a gross income at or below the 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with the HEAP office by calling 740-695-2405.

Clients will need copies of the following documents to their appointment:

– Copies of their most recent energy bills;

– A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days;

– Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members (Social Security Card and Birth Certificate);

– Proof of disability (if applicable);

– Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60);

– Documentation of Food Stamp Assistance/Child Support (if applicable).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions it has been necessary to establish the following when coming in for an appointment: only one household member may come for the appointment; arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, masks are required; no children are permitted on site during the interview; and all documentation must be in paper form.