The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help eligible Ohioans stay warm during the winter months. The Winter Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans heating assistance if they are disconnected from their heating source, threatened with disconnection or if they have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel.
Geauga County residents may apply for the Winter Crisis Program at Geauga County Job and Family Services, 12480 Ravenwood Drive in Chardon from November 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020. Application for assistance is by appointment only.
To qualify for the Winter Crisis Program, a household must be threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. The household must also have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $45,062.
Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face to face interview and must bring the following items to their appointment
- proof of income
- copies of their most recent energy bills
- list of all household members with social security numbers and birth dates
- proof of U.S. citizenship/legal residency for all household members
Documents that are accepted to prove citizenship/legal residency include:
- Social Security card
- birth certificate
- U.S. Passport
- naturalization paper/certificate of citizenship
- permanent VISA
- INS ID card.
For additional information on applying for HEAP, or to set an appointment to apply for the Winter Crisis Program, contact Geauga County Job and Family Services, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 440.285.1299. Additional information may be found at http://www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
