Energy Assistance Appointment Checklist

Consumers can apply for energy assistance by appointment at their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or Energy Assistance Provider. Consumers must bring the proper documentation to complete the application process. This fact sheet serves as a guide for energy assistance appointments. Your local CAA may require different documentation, so verify what you need when scheduling the appointment.

Ohioans applying for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), Winter Crisis Program (WCP), Summer Crisis Program (SCP) and/or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), will need the following:

1. Proof of citizenship, or legal residency (Qualified Alien) status for all household members.
2. Birth dates and Social Security numbers for all household members.
3. Most recent electric and/or natural gas bill—applicant should be the household member with utility bills in his or her name (with some limited exceptions).
4. Disconnection notice, if applicable.
5. Proof of income for the previous 30 days for all members of the household 18 years and older (see below). For seasonal or self-employed workers, proof of income for the past 12 months may be required.

Examples of income include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Social Security Retirement (SS)
• Pensions
• Widow/widower’s benefits
• Alimony
• Wages or self-employment pay
• Active military pay
• Utility assistance
• Ohio Electronic Child Care (ECC)
• Unemployment
• Workers’ compensation

Proof of income documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Award/benefit letters
• Payment printout/statements from issuing agency
• Copy of check or bank statement showing deposit
• Pay stubs or statements
• IRS transcripts
• Financial institutions statements
• Job and Family Services documents/eligibility letter with amounts and dates

If claiming zero income, you will need to complete and sign paperwork indicating how the household has been sustained and provide proof. Accepted documentation includes:

• Statement of support from individuals who have been helping with expenses.
• IRS tax transcripts, which can be obtained by contacting the IRS.

Additional documentation may be required:

1. A photo ID could be required. Check with your local CAA.
2. If anyone in the household over 18 years old attends college, current tuition/ financial aid information may be required.
3. Any household with a member who is permanently and totally disabled must provide proof of the disability, such as a doctor’s statement or proof of disability income.
4. If you rent or lease your residence you may be asked to provide:
   1. A copy of your current lease and landlord’s name, address, and phone number.
   2. For a month-to-month lease or verbal agreement, you may be required to provide a notarized statement of agreement from the landlord that includes their contact information.
   3. For HUD/government assisted housing, you may be required to provide Housing Authority documentation.
5. Bulk fuel users applying for the Winter Crisis Program certify in writing that they have less than 25% of a supply of bulk fuel.
6. A non-household member may represent you at your appointment, but you must provide a notarized statement or Power of Attorney giving permission to process your application and they must have an ID to accompany the documentation. Home visits may be available due to age or disabilities.

For questions, or for more information, contact your local CAA. To locate your local CAA, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or contact the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) at 1-800-282-0880.