While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Ohio, LIHEAP is administered by the Development Services Agency.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Ohio, click here.
The Ohio Development Services Agency oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Ohio, see the Ohio state LIHEAP overview here.
Ohio’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Ohio defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $750. The maximum amount for a cooling assistance crisis is $500.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Ohio Development Services Agency will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2020, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Ohio is $447 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $15.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Ohio here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from June 1st until May 31st each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Ohio, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
To apply for LIHEAP in person, visit your local Energy Assistance Provider. Find your nearest office and contact information here.
To apply for LIHEAP online, start the online LIHEAP application here. You must contact your local Energy Assistance Provider to complete your application.
To apply for LIHEAP by mail, complete the Energy Assistance Programs Application here and mail your completed application and required documents to:
HEAP
PO Box 1240
Columbus, Ohio 43216
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Energy Assistance Provider office. Find your nearest office here.
When applying for Ohio LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.
You can call the Energy Assistance Provider office where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Ohio Development Services Agency will notify you after your application has been processed if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Ohio LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by contacting your local Energy Assistance Provider office where you applied within 30 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local office here.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1-800-848-1300.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Ohio or require further assistance, contact your local Energy Assistance Provider. Find your nearest office and contact information here.
You can also call 1 (800) 292-0880. Or, call the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1 (800) 848-1300.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
