HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP)
The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) (also known as Emergency HEAP) provides financial assistance once per winter heating season to income-eligible households.
The Winter Crisis Program is available to customers of PUCO-regulated and non-regulated utility companies. Eligible households that have been disconnected, have a shut-off notice, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, have a Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) default, need to enroll in PIPP Plus, or have 25% or less of bulk fuel supply may receive assistance through the program.
Assistance can be used for:
- Electric and natural gas bills (PUCO-regulated and non-regulated utility companies)
- Propane/fuel tank replacement and testing
- Heating unit repair or replacement
The program runs from November 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible for assistance.
2026-2027175% Income Guidelines | ||
Size of household* | 12-Month Limit | 30-Day Limit |
175% | 175% | |
1 | $26,355 | $ 2,196.25 |
2 | $35,770 | $ 2,980.83 |
3 | $45,185 | $ 3,765.42 |
4 | $54,600 | $ 4,550.00 |
5 | $64,015 | $ 5,334.58 |
6 | $73,430 | $ 6,119.17 |
7 | $82,845 | $ 6,903.75 |
Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for WCP, the utility bill must be in the name of an adult household member. The total household income must be at or below 175% of the federal income guidelines for households up to seven, and 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for households of eight or more (see chart). Income is based on the last 30 days or the previous 12 months. Households must report all members’ total gross household income, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old.
Winter Crisis Program Benefits
Customers of PUCO-regulated utility companies (electric and natural gas) will receive a maximum benefit of $175. Customers of non-regulated utility companies (municipal utilities or cooperatives) will receive a maximum benefit of $750; bulk fuel customers will receive up to $1200 (kerosene, propane, fuel oil), $650 for customers who heat using wood or coal, and up to $1500 for heating unit repair/replacement.
In some cases, the program can be used to repair, replace, and/or install the main heating source for homeowners, including wood burners/pellet stoves. WCP funds may also be used to pay for tank expenses (testing, placement, rental, and gauges).
Winter Crisis Program Payments
Once approved for winter crisis assistance, the local Energy Assistance Provider/Community Action Agency will authorize payment to the utility or vendor for disconnection prevention, reconnection of service, establishing new service, or for the delivery of bulk fuel.
After receiving assistance, households served by a PUCO-regulated utility company that have an outstanding balance must enroll in an extended payment plan (1/9th, 1/6th, winter-heating season plan, or the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), if eligible). For information on additional payment plans, visit www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/payment-plans.
Customers are ineligible for the WCP until any current medical certifications filed with the utility company expires. To learn more about a 30-Day Medical Certificate, visit www.occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance.
Additional assistance may be available for customers served by AES Ohio, American Electric Power, Cleveland Electric Illuminating, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Enbridge Ohio (formerly Dominion Energy), Duke Energy, Ohio Edison, or Toledo Edison.
Contact your utility company directly at the customer service number listed on the utility bill.
How to Apply for the Winter Crisis Program (E-HEAP)
The application for the winter crisis program can be started online, but customers are required to make an appointment with their local Energy Assistance Provider (community action agency) to complete the application process. Appointments may be in-person or remote.
Customers are required to provide the following documents:
- A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days (or 12 months) for each member over 18 years old.
- Wages and salaries of dependents under 18 years old are excluded.
- Most recent utility bills (gas and/or electric), regardless of account status.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal residency.
- Birth dates and Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Proof of disability, if applicable.
Customers should verify with the local Energy Assistance Provider what documentation is required to complete the process.
When an appointment for the winter crisis program is made with a local Energy Assistance Provider (community action agency), PUCO-regulated utility companies must delay disconnection for 30 days after the appointment. The 30-day delay may be used once per year for a PUCO-regulated gas and electric company.
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