Home Energy Assistance Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Extreme temperatures can wreak major havoc on any budget.  

Muskingum County Community Action Outreach Specialist Emily Lichtner explained how her agency assists low income residents with their excessive heating bills through a state initiative known as the Home Energy Assistance Program.

“So what HEAP is, is it’s a one time credit from the state,” Lichtner said. “The state does determine the amounts based on poverty, age, all of that fun stuff. …It goes to your home heating source just to help you get through the winter a little bit. Just free money from the state.”

Any household with an income at or below the 175 percent of the federally recognized poverty level is eligible for the assistance. If you qualify, the state will apply the funds as credits, directly into the account you have with your home heating provider. 

“I believe the program’s important because it helps people who you know, may be struggling a little bit (to) keep their lights on. It can help keep their home heated. Either one, it depends on if you have Columbia Gas, then it would go there or if you have electric it would be… it would go to AEP. But I mean, I just think it’s essential because it helps people who may be struggling a little bit. Or even if you’re not struggling, it will just help give you that little bit of extra boost to help get you through the winter months,” Lichtner said.

If you believe you fit or are near the eligibility requirements, you can visit their office located at 828 Lee Street in Zanesville to fill out an application or apply online.

“I think it’s a very vital program,” Lichtner said. “We have a lot of people who use it. And I truly believe that if this program didn’t exist, there would be a lot of people who go without heat or electric.”