STEPS to Stability | Utility Assistance for Older Adults

Hamilton County older adults may be eligible for assistance with Duke Energy utility bills. Apply through September 4, 2026!

The STEPS to Stability Program was created by the Council on Aging to help address common, one-time needs that can impact an older adult’s ability to remain independent in their homes and communities. STEPS to Stability will accept applications for utility assistance August 3 – September 4, 2026.

Eligible individuals may receive a credit on their Duke Energy Utility bill in the following amounts:

$500 if you are not eligible for assistance through HEAP
$200 if you are also eligible for assistance through Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

STEPS to Stability Eligibility

Hamilton County resident age 60 and over
You must have your Duke Account Number available in order to apply. Applications will not be accepted without the Duke Account Number.
You must NOT have received this assistance in 2025.
Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
Ineligible for other assistance programs (excluding HEAP)
Household income of 300% of poverty level or below (Social Security is considered income):
- $47,880 for a household of one
- $64,920 for a household of two
- $81,960 for a household of three
- $99,000 for a household of four

How to apply for STEPS to Stability utility assistance

Eligible individuals may apply using one of these ways:

By phone – Call 513-721-1025, menu option 6

Council on Aging will help individuals apply over the phone during the following times:
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday until September 4
Wait times may be long, and callers will not be able to leave a message.

Apply online

Individuals may apply online anytime through September 4.
This is the fastest way to apply.

apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

I received a utility credit from the Council on Aging last year. Am I eligible this year?

No. If you received a utility credit through this program last year, you are not eligible to apply for assistance this year. We will review all received applications to ensure applicants meet this criteria

How will I find out if I will receive a utility assistance credit?

You will receive a letter from Council on Aging informing you of the status of your application. We will not process applications until AFTER the application window ends, so it may be several weeks before you receive an update regarding your application status.

If you applied for utility assistance prior to June 30, we are currently processing those applications.

When will I receive my utility assistance credit?

It is important to understand that funding for this program is limited and as a result, not all applicants may receive utility assistance. To ensure everyone has the same opportunity to receive utility assistance funding, we will not begin reviewing applications until after the application window ends. At that time, we will review all submitted applications to ensure they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. When the eligibility review is complete, we will use a fair, unbiased random selection process to distribute funds among eligible applicants. This will continue until all the funding is fully distributed.

What should I do while I wait to find out if I will receive a utility assistance credit?

While you wait to hear about your application status, it is important that you continue to pay your utility bill.

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.

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