Help Available for Home Energy Bills – Geauga Maple Leaf

The Ohio Department of Development and Geauga County Job and Family Services want to remind Geauga County residents that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection; have been disconnected from their utility service; transferring service; or establishing new services, at or below 25% bulk fuel may be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP), which begins Nov. 1, 2022.

Geauga residents may apply for the WC P through Geauga County JFS by calling 440-285-1299.  Application for the WCP is by telephone interview only and appointments currently are being scheduled.

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider.

Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:

• Most recent utility bills,
• List of all household members, birthdates, and Social Security numbers,
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members,
• Proof of Citizenship or legal residency for all household members, and
• Proof of disability, if applicable.

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1. Residents needing immediate assistance with their energy bills should contact Geauga County JFS at 440-285-9141.