12-03-2025 7:55pm

Heating Assistance to Help Avoid Chill of Winter Months

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH -- The Ohio Department of Development and Warren County Community Services, Inc want to help alleviate the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio’s families warm. Effective Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, and those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service.

Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $56,262.50.

Last year, the Winter Crisis Program assisted more than 73,000 households in Ohio, providing $25.5 million in benefits. “We’re proud to show up for Ohioans when they need us most, especially when Ohio winters create challenges for individuals and families,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “The Winter Crisis Program is here to provide critical support so people can stay safe, healthy, and warm through our coldest time of the year.”

Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Warren County Community Services, Inc., Community Assistance, emergency HEAP. If a household has a disconnect notice, shut-off, needs new service or has 25% or less of bulk fuel/propane. An appointment must be made by calling 513-970-6737 or online at https://wccs.itfrontdesk.com

Our appointment system does book out quickly. Please call back the next day for an
appointment. Clients are required to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

Copies of their most recent energy bills.
A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member 18 and over.
Zero income must provide a statement from gift giver with amount of gift, name address and phone number of gift giver. If behind on bills must provide proof.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
Proof of disability (if applicable).
Current Lease signed and dated or statement from the landlord with name, address, and phone number
Warren Metropolitan Housing Authority worksheet/HUD worksheet (if applicable)
SNAP benefit letter (if applicable)

For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, visit www.wccsi.org or energyhelp.ohio.gov. The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.