As the chill of winter tightens its grip, many Ohio residents face the daunting challenge of keeping their homes warm. To ease this burden, the Ohio Department of Development has put out a call to action – urging those in need to use the state’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program. Offering one-time assistance to manage home energy bills, the program is a lifeline for eligible Ohioans annually from November 1 through March 31.
Under the program, support is not just for those facing imminent service disconnection. According to the news release obtained by the Ohio Department of Development, it also extends its hand to those who have been disconnected, need to establish new service, or are compelled to pay for a service transfer, and households struggling to maintain service with less than 25 percent of bulk fuel remaining in their tank. Even individuals who have defaulted on their Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or need to render their first PIPP payment can find solace in this initiative.
Eligibility hinges on income, where households must earn at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. This means an annual gross income not exceeding $54,600 for a family of four. The state’s effort is to reach out to those teetering on the economic edges, where the cold is not just a discomfort but a threat to well-being…