E-HEAP is a federally funded program administered in Portage County by CAC, and is available to provide assistance once per heating season (November 1st - March 31st) to eligible low-income homeowners and renters that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten-day supply of bulk fuel.

E-HEAP will restore or maintain primary heat source and/or secondary energy source up to State of Ohio maximum benefit of $175. Users of fuel oil/propane may receive a benefit of up to $600. Benefit is based on total dollar amount needed to resolve crisis situation for the primary and/or secondary energy source, and does not cover total debt owed by the client. A client co-payment may be necessary to resolve the crisis.

PIPP
Households serviced by PUCO-regulated utilities must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) in order to receive energy assistance. This plan allows customers to pay 10-15% of their gross monthly income for primary utility services and 3-5% for secondary utility service. Customers may also use CAC to complete PIPP re-verifications throughout the year.

Summer Crisis Cooling
Between June and August each year, CAC operates the Summer Crisis Cooling Program, or Summer HEAP. Regulations for this program may vary slightly from year to year. Under this program, any individual over 60 or with a respiratory condition may receive a one-time payment on their electric bill, and may be eligible for a new window air conditioner. All applicants must also meet income guidelines. Contact CAC for more information.

Regular Home Energy Assistance Program
R-HEAP is administered by the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Services. It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high cost of home heating. Under regular HEAP guidelines, you must:

• Meet income guidelines for 12 months at 200% of poverty;
• Complete an application and forward the application to the State; or
• Visit CAC for assistance in completing the application. CAC can electronically file your application.

The State HEAP office will directly notify you after review. If you are approved, you will receive a one-time credit on your heating bill.

Applications for this program can be processed at the CAC office & filed electronically. The State will then make a determination, and you will be notified by mail of your benefit.

How To Apply
Households may apply for E-HEAP at the central offices of the Community Action Council of Portage County, located at 1036 W Main St. in Ravenna, OH. An appointment for face-to-face interview with CAC Intake Staff must be scheduled. If you are homebound please contact CAC at (330) 297-1456. To qualify, you must:

1. Have a primary/secondary energy source (gas/electric) that has been disconnected, is threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 10 day supply of bulk fuel (fuel oil, propane, wood, coal);
2. Have gross household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
3. Have an energy bill that is in your or an adult member of your household's name.

What should you bring to your appointment?

1. Your gas and electric bill
2. Income for past 3 months for all members of the household over 18 years of age
3. Social Security Numbers for all members of the household.

If you bring all of the above, your application will be processed sooner. Please be on time for your appointment and call to cancel and reschedule if you cannot make it.