Heating Assistance for Ohio seniors is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Help with heating bills for senior citizens in Cincinnati.
Assistance for seniors with home energy utility payment
Utility assistance for seniors in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development and Council on Aging will help income-eligible senior citizens in Ohio stay warm during the cool winter months. The Home Energy Assistance Program assists Ohioans ages 60 and older and at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines assistance paying a heating bill. The last day to apply for the program is May 31, 2024.
HEAP is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans with a one-time benefit applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.
To apply for the program, clients must schedule an appointment with an energy assistance provider (EAP). Appointments can be scheduled by calling the appropriate assistance provider.
Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Eligibility
Who is eligible for heating and cooling assistance for seniors?
Ohioans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines and have a household member who is either:
- 60 years of age and older
- Can provide physician documentation that heating assistance is needed for a household member’s health or
- Households who have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new electric service may be eligible for assistance or
- PIPP PLUS customers are eligible for assistance toward their default or first PIPP payment.
Maximum Allowable Income and 175% Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
| Size of Household | Total Household Income 12 Months |
| 1 | up to $25,515 |
| 2 | up to $34,510 |
| 3 | up to $43,505 |
| 4 | up to $52,500 |
| 5 | up to $61,495 |
| 6 | up to $70,490 |
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HEAP pay in Ohio?
Eligible households who are regulated utility customers can receive up to $500 financial assistance. Eligible households who are customers of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities can receive up to $800 of financial assistance.
How is HEAP applied?
HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1. The last day to apply for the program is May 31, 2024. If someone needs immediate assistance with energy bills, please get in touch with the local Energy Assistance Provider. View a list of home energy assistance providers.
How is The Home Energy Assistance Program benefit amount determined?
Benefit amounts vary and are determined by the following criteria:
- Household income
- Number of people in the household
- Type of primary heating source
- If someone in the home is disabled or 60 years of age or older
- Household is enrolled in Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)
- Federal funding levels
- Geographic region of the state
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What is the required documentation to get energy assistance for seniors through HEAP?
When applying, individuals need to have copies of the following documents:
- Most recent utility bills
- A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)
- Proof of US citizenship or legal residency for all household members
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
Where can seniors get assistance with the HEAP application process?
Council on Aging staff is available to help those interested in applying for HEAP to understand the application process and to connect with their county EAP.
Senior citizens may visit the Council on Aging website for guidance on where to receive help to assemble the documents required to apply or to complete the application. Senior citizens may also apply online or download a copy of the heating assistance for the elderly application.
Where can additional information and assistance regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program for seniors be found?
For more information about the features of HEAP and what is needed to apply, individuals may contact the appropriate Energy Assistance Provider in their county:
- Butler County
- Partners in Prime: 513-867-1998
- Clermont County
- Clermont County Senior Services: 513-724-1255
- Clinton County
- Clinton County Community Action: 937-382-1234
- Council on Aging: 937-449-0642 (Option 2)
- Hamilton County
- Council on Aging: 513-721-1025 (Option 2)
- Wesley/Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky: 513-661-2777
- MariElders: 513-271-5588
- Warren County
- Warren County Community Services: 513-970-6737
Call 800-282-0880 (hearing-impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to connect to local energy assistance providers.
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About the Council on Aging
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. COA promotes choice, independence, dignity, and well-being through services that help people remain independent for as long as possible.
COA is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties. Council On Aging links people to various agencies, information, and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Additional Cincinnati Social Services Resources
Additional human services to those in need:
AddnAide – Part-Time Work Supporting Seniors
Seeking supplemental income? AddnAide brings flexible hours to part-time workers interested in helping older adults.
Hamilton County Rent and Utility Relief Program
Seeking emergency assistance for energy bills or utility services? Dealing with past-due bills and fear of utility disconnection? Renters and homeowners can use water, energy, utility, rent, mortgage, and property tax assistance.
Cincinnati Food Pantries
Seeking food assistance? Those needing help can discover Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in Greater Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Low-cost Healthcare, Pharmacy Care, and More
Seeking medical Assistance? Cincinnati has several Free, low-cost, and Medicaid-eligible healthcare, pharmacy care, and health services.
Cincinnati organizations that help with rent & utility assistance, shelters, housing placements
Seeking rent assistance or emergency placement services? Discover mortgage, rent, and utility assistance programs, plus shelters and home repair services in the Greater Cincinnati Area.
Related Article: Rent, Mortgage, and Bill Assistance
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
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