HEAP Energy Assistance (Ohio)
Last updated August 2026
HEAP is Ohio's heating help: a one-time benefit credited straight to your utility or fuel bill, as early as October each season. One note so you do not get lost. The program moved to Job and Family Services in April 2026. Old energyhelp.ohio.gov links now land on jfs.ohio.gov. Same program, same process.
The income limits, for July 2026 through May 2027: $27,930 a year for one person, $37,870 for two, $47,810 for three, $57,750 for four. Homeowners and renters both qualify.
Three ways to apply. Online through the Energy Assistance Portal in OHID (a computer browser, not a phone). Through your local Energy Assistance Provider, in person or by phone. Or by mailing form JFS 00330. Regular applications take up to 12 weeks. Unsigned forms are the top delay, so sign it.
The crisis programs are the fast lanes, and both need an appointment with your local provider (locator: 800-282-0880). Winter Crisis runs November 1 to March 31. It serves shut-offs, pending shut-offs, new service needs, and bulk fuel at a quarter tank or less. Summer Crisis runs July 1 to September 30. It pays electric bills and buys or fixes air conditioners for homes with someone 60+, a doctor-documented cooling need, or a shut-off.
Two fine-print items: households on both HEAP and PIPP get a 75 percent reduced HEAP benefit, and zero-income households applying repeatedly need IRS paperwork. Bring 30 days of income proof, recent utility bills, Social Security numbers and birth dates for everyone, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, reported for the last 30 days or the past 12 months
- The Winter Crisis Program helps once per heating season if you are disconnected, have a shut-off notice, or are low on bulk fuel; renters and homeowners both qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online via the Energy Assistance Portal tile at ohid.ohio.gov (computer browser only), through your local provider, or by mailing form JFS 00330.
- 2
Sign the application; unsigned forms are the top cause of the 12-week processing stretching longer.
- 3
Facing disconnection November through March? Book a Winter Crisis appointment with your local provider: 800-282-0880.
- 4
Need cooling help July through September? Summer Crisis covers electric bills and AC units for 60+, medical-need, and shut-off households.
- 5
Bring 30 days of income proof for everyone, recent utility bills, Social Security numbers and birth dates, and citizenship or residency proof.
- 6
On PIPP too? Expect a 75 percent reduced HEAP benefit; the programs share the same application.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What are the income limits for Ohio HEAP?
For July 2026 to May 2027: $27,930 a year for one person, $37,870 for two, $47,810 for three, $57,750 for four (175 percent of poverty). Renters and homeowners both qualify.
How does the HEAP benefit arrive?
As a one-time credit applied directly to your utility or bulk-fuel account, as early as October. The amount varies by income, fuel type, and location.
My heat is being shut off. What do I do?
November through March, book a Winter Crisis appointment with your local Energy Assistance Provider (800-282-0880). It serves disconnections, pending shut-offs, new service needs, and bulk fuel at a quarter tank or less.
Does Ohio help with summer cooling?
Yes: Summer Crisis, July 1 to September 30, pays electric bills and buys or repairs air conditioners and fans for households with a member 60+, a physician-documented cooling need, or a disconnect situation.
How long does a HEAP application take?
Up to 12 weeks for regular applications, online or mailed. Crisis appointments move much faster. Unsigned applications are the top delay.
Where did energyhelp.ohio.gov go?
It now redirects to jfs.ohio.gov; HEAP moved to the Department of Job and Family Services in April 2026 with no change to the application process.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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