Warren County Community Services, Inc. (WCCS) Offers Winter Crisis Program to Help Warren County Residents Keep the Heat On

LEBANON, OH --  Warren County Community Services, Inc. and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) want to help ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio families warm. Beginning Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time help with their home heating bill through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (WCP). The program runs through March 31, 2027.

“The Winter Crisis Program is a lifeline for hardworking families and older adults living on limited or fixed incomes, helping ensure they can keep their homes warm during the coldest months of the year. As we head into this winter, awareness of this resource is more important than ever. Rising costs for utilities, housing, food and other basic necessities are affecting everyone, but the impact is especially devastating for those with fewer financial resources. For these households, one unexpected expense or high utility bill can mean a financial crisis. If you live in Warren County and are in need of assistance, please contact us at 513-970-6737,” said Dawna Fogarty, CEO of Warren County Community Services, Inc.

WCP assists Ohioans who are facing service disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25 percent or less bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.

To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.

Warren County residents can apply for the Winter Crisis Program in-person by scheduling an appointment through Warren County Community Services, Inc.

Ohioans can also start an application online and find their local energy assistance provider at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

How to Schedule & Apply

• By Phone: Call 513-970-6737 to use the 24/7 automated scheduling system.
• Online: https://wccs.itfrontdesk.com
• If you are on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), an appointment is not required. Drop Box: A drop-off box is located outside the building marked Energy Programs. Please submit current application and required documentation. Failure to submit the required documents can delay the process of your application. Please note: PIPP applications dropped off can take up to 12-weeks to process.

Office Location & Hours

• Address: 645 Oak Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036 (Use the front door entrance under the large awning).
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays).

Applicants should bring copies of the following to their appointment:

• The most recent energy bills
• Proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for each household member 18 years and older
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, (ex. birth certificate, social security card, US Passport, etc.)
• Proof of disability, if applicable

Households served by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility (ex. Duke Energy, National Fuel/Centerpoint Energy or AES Ohio) must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another payment plan if an outstanding balance remains on the utility bill after receiving assistance.

For more information about WCP and what is needed to apply, contact Warren County Community Services, Inc. Community Assistance - HEAP Department at 513-970-6737 or HEAP@wccsinc.org.

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