Muskingum County Summer Crisis Program Ends September 30

MUSKINGUM COUNTY–The Ohio Department of Development and MEOAG Inc. are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.

From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, and or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP).

“We’re proud to partner with community action agencies across the state to deliver this critical support during the hottest months of the year,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program. “Time after time, this program has proven to be a vital lifeline for countless Ohioans when temperatures start to rise.”

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or those with a person 60 years or older living in the home, or who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to eight members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $56,262.50.

Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.5 million in benefits.

Starting this year, applying for assistance and managing an account will be easier than ever. A new, streamlined online portal will be available at energyhelp.ohio.gov. To get started, Ohioans must register for an OHID account, which provides a secure and convenient way to access their HEAP account.

“We know that when someone is facing a crisis, every minute counts,” said Director Mihalik. “This new online system makes it faster and easier for Ohioans to apply for help — so they can get the support they need, when they need it most.”

Registration takes less than 7 minutes, and can be completed in these easy steps:

• Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov, and click “Log into the EA portal.”
• Click “Create an OHID,” and follow the six-step account creation process.
• Ensure account security by setting up multi-factor authentication.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Muskingum County Community Action Agency. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 740-453-5703 ext. 109.