Summer Crisis Cooling (SCP)

Between July 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 and/or fans. All applicants must also meet income guidelines. Contact CAC for more information at 330-297-1456 or via email at info@cacportage.net .  

This season's Summer Crisis Program has been expanded to assist the community in managing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  SCP will be available July 1st through September 30th.

This year's benefits include electric bill payments, window a/c units, fans, and a/c repair for central air.  Each household's benefit can be up to $500.00, and they will be eligible for a combination of these benefits based on household needs and eligibility.  
APPOINTMENTS

Customers may begin making appointments on Wednesday, June 24th by calling 1-234-703-4303 toll free or online at https://app.capappointments.com.  

Scheduled appointments will be conducted via telephone interview.  An intake specialist will call the customer at the date and time of their appointment to start an application and will discuss the documents that are required and how to turn the documents to CAC.
OPEN CALL INS

​If you are unable to get an appointment, you may call in Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8:00am until all call in appointments are full.

An Intake Specialist will call clients at the date and time of their appointment, to start an application, and discuss the documents that are required, and how to get the documents turned in. For more information on the program, to obtain a medical eligibility form, or to obtain information on other agency programs and services, please access
the agency’s website at www.cacportage.net.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
​
In order to be eligible for HEAP, a household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for the program. The guidelines are listed below:
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To be eligible, the household has to be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, AND meet one of the following criteria:
  • Have a household member 60 years old or older
  • Have a medical form filled out by a doctor stating that assistance is beneficial due to a chronic illness, such as a breathing problem, heart issue and others based on your doctor’s determination.
  • Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and be willing to write and sign a statement of such.
  • Have a disconnect on their electric bill
  • Have an electric bill that has PIPP default, or enrolling on PIPP.
  • Electric bill must be in an adult household members' name
  • For air conditioner and fan benefits, household cannot have received an air conditioner or fan from HEAP within the past three (3) program years (2017, 2018, 2019).​
  • For Summer Crisis Program, proof of age or medical form may be needed. For medical eligibility form, please see below.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED:
  • Picture I.D. for person applying on behalf of household
 
  • Social Security Numbers for EVERYONE in household   
          (Social security cards can be used as proof of citizenship)

  • Proof of Citizenship for ALL household members
         (Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Military ID, US Passport, Voter Registration Card). 

  • All pages of most recent Ohio Edison bill
          If your service is new, transfer, or OFF for more than 30 days, you will need to have a letter 29 faxed to us from Ohio Edison                    800-633-4766
  • Most recent Dominion or Bulk Fuel bill
          If service is new, transfer, or has been OFF for more than 10 days you will need to bring a pending account number from                        Dominion 800-950-7989

  • Proof of household income for ALL household members age 18 and over for the past 30 days is required
 
Below is a list of the most common types of income (your individual household situation may require you to bring something that is not listed below):

  • All paystubs or employer printout that includes gross income & pay dates with any medical/child support deductions.
  • SSI/Social Security, Pension, Utility Allowance, Student Loans or grants, TANF
  • Child support print out for all children, or statement from child support that there is no child support order when both parents do not live in the same household.
  • Help from a non-household member requires a statement from anyone that is helping you. Statement MUST have the following information included:
  1. Name, address, and phone number of the person who helps you
  2. How much money they give you
  3. How often money is given (specifically for the last 30 days)
  4. Must be signed and dated  with the amount that has been given in the past 30 days.
    • Notarized statement from adult household member, if representing a household that you do not live in.
    • Seasonal Employment:  You need the most recent 12 months of income.  This can be pay stubs or seasonal employment verification form.
    • Self-Employed:  Any jobs you are paid cash for as well as odd jobs etc, are considered self-employment.  You need your most recent IRS 1040 (entire tax return), If you do not file a 1040 form with the IRS, you must provide an IRS Verification of Non-filing letter along with a completed Self-Employment Income and expense form.
    • If claiming zero (0) income you must fill out a zero income form explaining how you have been surviving on Zero income, AND may be asked to obtain a tax transcript and/or additional documentation.  You can call for the tax transcript at 1-800-908-9946   or   WWW.IRS.GOV

Download the Medical Eligibility Form