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Learn About LIHEAP in Ohio

Ohio LIHEAP is more commonly referred to throughout the state as HEAP, which stands for the Heating Energy Assistance Program. This government-funded program provides financial assistance to low-income households that are struggling to pay for their monthly heating and energy costs. Since Ohio can experience extreme winters that involve freezing temperatures, the government funds this program to ensure households that are experiencing financial hard times can still afford to keep their homes heated. Winters throughout the state can be dangerous if homes are not properly insulated or households stop paying their energy bills and go without heat. With energy assistance provided by the program, eligible families can stay comfortable in their homes without facing low temperatures.

OH utility assistance is not provided to every family that applies for the program. HEAP has strict low-income qualifications that must be met before funds are provided. It is important for families to understand that they can only receive this assistance through the program for one season. Therefore, these households should continuously seek financial independence and budget for home improvements to ensure they can eventually fully pay for their own heating costs. To learn more about this heating assistance program, the eligibility guidelines and benefits that are provided to qualifying beneficiaries, review the information provided.

Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Ohio

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program in Ohio provides financial assistance that goes directly toward an a eligible enrollee’s energy bill. In most cases, the beneficiary’s allotted monetary funds are sent directly to the energy company to assist in paying the heating bill. The beneficiary is usually responsible for paying the rest of the household’s bill that remains after the supplemental assistance was deducted. This allows the OH LIHEAP program to ensure the funding provided to each beneficiary is allocated correctly and is truly helping to assist each family with its heating costs. HEAP benefits are also provided in emergency situations. These benefits are allotted in the same way they are for standard beneficiaries, but these funds are provided to energy companies quickly after a crisis occurs.

In addition to the standard low income home energy assistance program benefits, the program also provides eligible beneficiaries with help with weatherization. A home that is weatherized is more energy efficient and generally has lower heating and cooling costs. Applicants who qualify for this benefit are provided with funding for the weatherization process. Depending on the size of the home and the tasks that need to be completed for weatherization, this funding may only pay for a portion of the project. The beneficiary is responsible for the remainder of the balance, if needed.

What are the Ohio LIHEAP requirements?

Before you attempt to apply for LIHEAP in Ohio, you should first review the eligibility guidelines for the program. The main qualification used to determine eligibility for benefits is the income your household earns. When completing the LIHEAP application process, you must record all income earned by all household members in the past 30 days, whether it is recurring or not. Additionally, the LIHEAP income guidelines encourage you to include other income sources, such as government assistance programs or child support your household receives. Minors who earn income in the household do not need to include their paychecks in the calculation.

To determine your OH LIHEAP application status and whether or not you meet the income guidelines, a program representative will compare your household income and the number of family members to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your income must be within a certain percentage to qualify for benefits. You may be able to deduct expenses from your calculated income. If you or a family member is already enrolled in another government assistance program, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), your household may automatically qualify for LIHEAP. You can be a tenant or homeowner to qualify for energy assistance.

To learn more about LIHEAP, review our informative guide.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Ohio

You can complete the Ohio LIHEAP application online by visiting the Development Services Agency website. Before you complete the application, take a moment to go through the pre-screening tool the agency provides. This tool asks for:

  • The number of members in your household.
  • Your household income for the past year.
  • Other government benefits you currently receive.

With this information, the pre-screening tool can determine if you qualify for benefits before you complete the entire application. If you feel you are eligible for the program and you are ready to apply for LIHEAP online, create an account with the website and complete as much information as possible.

Keep in mind you will be responsible for providing proof of the statements you make on the application, including your household income. To apply for energy assistance online in OH, you are required to scan and attach copies of your:

  • Recent utility bills.
  • Proof of income.
  • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency.

If you cannot provide these documents online for the LIHEAP application, you can complete the rest of the application process by mail or in person. Use the Development Services Agency website to review a list of local agencies, commissions, providers and partnerships that can assist you with the application process. You can call a local organization and set up an appointment to visit and complete the application process with a representative.

How much could LIHEAP pay in Ohio?

Ohio LIHEAP guidelines state that an eligible household will be provided benefits based on a number of different factors. Some of the most important characteristics taken into consideration when calculating benefits for an eligible household include:

  • The current federal funding level.
  • The number of household members.
  • Annual household income.
  • Amount of fuel used each month for heating.

The OH energy assistance provided through the program is usually a percentage of the household’s bill and is given directly to the energy company.

To learn more about LIHEAP, download and review our detailed guide.

How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?

Once you have completed the Ohio LIHEAP application form, it can be several weeks before you hear back from the department. You can check your LIHEAP application status online or by calling the agency you visited to apply, if applicable.

If you did not apply for emergency benefits and there is no local energy crisis, the department will analyze your application and send a notification to your home address several weeks later to inform you if you qualify for benefits. If you are approved, the notification will also provide information on the benefits you qualify for and when these funds will be sent to your energy provider. If additional information is needed to determine your eligibility, the department will request it at that time.