MARIETTA, Ohio — The Ohio Development Services Agency and Buckeye Hills Regional Council want Ohio residents to know that assistance is available to help them with their heating bills this winter.

The Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program helps income-eligible Ohioans pay their heating bills and can assist with fuel tank placement, fuel tank testing and furnace repairs. The program is open until March 31.

“As the pandemic continues into the winter, it is important that Ohians are able to stay safe and warm in their homes,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, said.

“The Winter Crisis Program can ease the burden of families. Ohioans who need help with their energy bills should visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to learn more about the program.”

Applied directly to the customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill, the benefit can help manage heating costs during the cold winter months. Low-income households that have been disconnected or have a pending disconnection notice, need to transfer service, have 25 percent or less of bulk fuel supply remaining, less than a 10 day supply of firewood, or have a household member who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020 may also be eligible for the HEAP program.

This year, appointments can be held over the phone or in-person with a local energy assistance provider. For a complete list of providers by county, you can visit buckeyehills.org/heap. Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application prior to their required appointment.

Eligible households can receive a payment for their main heating source and/or their second heating source (electric). The program can also assist with fuel tank placement, fuel tank testing and furnace repair. Ohians must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $45,850.

For more information about the features of the Winter Crisis Program locally and what is needed to apply, call Buckeye Hills Regional Council at 800-331-2644. Additional information can also be found at energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880.

To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, and for assistance and referral services, visit buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 800-331-2644 or email info@buckeyehills.org.