Emergency Utility And Water Assistance Available

The  Winter Crisis Program (WCP) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, have PIPP default, need to pay first PIPP, or have 25% (or less) supply of bulk fuel in their tank, maintain their utility service. 

The program runs until March 31, 2024. Ohio households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the bill after receiving assistance.

The Low Income Water Assistance Program, a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to eligible households that have a balance owed on their water account.    To qualify, a household must have a gross household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level.

Households interested in receiving emergency utility assistance must have a phone appointment, and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, proof of citizenship, and proof of disability if applicable. Other documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.
Portage County residents can call toll free 234-703-4303 or go online https://app.capappointments.com to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled up to 3 weeks in advance and must be made through the Agency’s 24 hour Interactive Voice Response scheduling system either by phone or online.
 
CAC of Portage County also offers call-in appointments at our Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00 am through 10:00 am or until all the appointments are full.  If you call during this time and appointments are still available, you will receive a same-day appointment.  The phone number for call-ins is 330-297-1456 ext 0.

ALL APPOINTMENTS AND CALL-INS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA PHONE INTERVIEW.  You are required to be available via the phone number provided, and have the required documents available so you are able to answer the intake specialists questions at the date and time of your appointment.  The Intake Specialist will work with you to decide what is the best method for providing your documents.  Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.