Emergency Food and Shelter Program

EFSP Utility Assistance

EFSP Utility Assistance is made available through the federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program and the local United Way of Portage County.  Funding is limited and dependent upon available funds. 
Utility Assistance is provided to customers who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.  If determined to be eligible for the service, payments can be made on Electric, gas, bulk fuel and/or water accounts. 

Requirements:​

• Payment is in arrears or due within 10 calendar days.
• All other resources have been exhausted (e.g., State's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program);
• Payment is limited to a maximum of one month's billed usage cost for each utility (e.g., gas, electric and water) for each individual or household;
• The month paid is the current amount, budget amount or part of the arrears That is still owed at the time of payment.
• Each utility is paid only once in each award phase for any individual or household; and
• Payment guarantees an additional 30 days service.

Contact Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. for more information at 330-297-1456  or via email at info@cacportage.net .

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                 Below are the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2019-2020:



                       HOUSEHOLD SIZE                  ANNUAL INCOME 200%

                             1                                              $ 24,980.00
                            2                                              $ 33,820.00
                              3                                             $ 42,660.00
                            4                                              $ 51,500.00
                             5                                              $ 60,340.00
                             6                                              $ 69,180.00
​​
         Add'l Person +       $ 8,840/ Annual