CAC HEATING PROGRAM WILL END Emergency HEAP Program will end on March 31

The Community Action Council of Portage County has announced that the last day of the Winter Crisis Program (Emergency HEAP) will be March 31, 2021.   Any individual or family who has a disconnection notice or has less than a 10-day supply of a bulk fuel, and is at or below 175% of the poverty guidelines, that has not applied for Emergency HEAP since November 1, 2020 may be eligible.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, and proof of citizenship. 0ther documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.                       
                                                                                                             
Customers of Dominion East Ohio Gas or Ohio Edison can receive up to $175 to restore or maintain utility service. Users of fuel oil and propane may receive a benefit of up to $900.00, and coal or wood users may receive up to $550.00. 
 
There are still appointments available for this season’s emergency program.  Call-ins are still available Monday through Thursday 8:00am-10:00am by calling 330-297-1456 and pressing 1 for HEAP or 0 for reception.  The last call-in must be signed in by 10:00am.  CAC of Portage County is still not open to the public, and all appointments will be a phone interview.  Individuals will need to provide copies of the following documents to include with their application:
 

• Most recent utility bills
• A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
• Proof of disability (if applicable)

 
If you would like to make an appointment call 234-703-4303 or go online to www.app.capappointments.com.  If you need additional information call 330-297-1456 and press 0 for the receptionist.   
 
 Applicants can continue to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP+) year round, and the 2021 Regular HEAP Program through May 31, 2021.  We encourage customers to pay close attention to utility bill messages.  It will let you know when you must re-verify for the PIPP+ program.  You must re-verify before the date stated on your bills to prevent being dropped from the PIPP+ program.  Once you are dropped, it is sometimes very difficult to get re-enrolled.  It is also imperative that PIPP+ customers are paying the PIPP amount in full and on time each month in order to avoid PIPP default. To enroll or re-verify for the PIPP+ or Regular HEAP programs you can call for an appointment or call-in during the scheduled call-in hours. You can also apply online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.
 
Applications for the Winter Crisis program must be via appointment and phone interview, and be completed by March 31, 2021. The last day to apply for the regular HEAP benefit is May 31, 2021. For more information on the programs, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call your local Energy Assistance Provider.