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Summer Crisis Program kicks off July 1

JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Ohio Department of Development and The Jefferson County Community Action Council will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer days.

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program will run from July 1 until September 30.

Clients interested will have to have copies of their most recent energy bills, a list of all household members, proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, proof of disability if applicable, and physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for household member’s health if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60.

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member who is 60 years or older and can provide physicians documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill or air conditioning. Conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.

Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for assistance. Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance toward their default PIPP payment or may receive an air conditioning until and or fan.

For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact the Jefferson County Community Action Council at 740-282-0971 ext. 200. To be connected to your local Emergency Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.

“The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses,”

As stated in the Department of Development press release.

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