According to the Ohio Department of Development, the Summer Crisis Program helped more than 44,000 Ohio households last year by providing assistance with electric bills, air conditioners, fans, and cooling system repairs. Summer heat can be dangerous for older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes who worry about running the air conditioner because of high electric bills. Fortunately, Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) opens July 1 each year to help qualifying households stay safe during the hottest months.
“We’re proud to partner with community action agencies across the state to deliver this critical support during the hottest months of the year,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Time after time, this program has proven to be a vital lifeline for countless Ohioans when temperatures start to rise.”
Officials encourage eligible residents to apply early because appointments and certain equipment benefits may be limited. Here are five cooling assistance options available beginning July 1.
1. Help Paying Your Electric Bill
Eligible households can receive a one-time payment that is sent directly to their electric utility to reduce or eliminate outstanding balances. Customers served by regulated utilities may qualify for up to $500, while households served by municipal utilities or electric cooperatives may qualify for up to $800. This assistance can help prevent service disconnections during periods of extreme heat. Benefits are paid directly to the utility provider rather than to the applicant, helping households reduce overdue balances or avoid service disconnections during dangerous heat.
2. Assistance Purchasing an Air Conditioner or Fan
Some eligible households can receive help purchasing a window air conditioner or fan instead of—or in addition to—bill assistance. This option is especially helpful for seniors whose homes lack adequate cooling equipment or whose existing units no longer work properly. Because air conditioners and fans are distributed on a limited basis in many communities, local agencies often encourage eligible seniors to schedule appointments as soon as applications open on July 1.
Eligibility depends on household circumstances and whether cooling equipment has been provided recently through the program. In many areas, air conditioners and fans are distributed on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Applying early after July 1 improves the chances of receiving equipment before supplies run low.
3. Repairs for Central Air Conditioning Systems
Replacing an air conditioner isn’t always necessary if the existing system simply needs repairs. Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program may help qualifying applicants pay for repairs to a central air conditioning unit when fixing the equipment is the most practical solution. This benefit can restore cooling while avoiding the much higher cost of replacing an entire system.
Repair assistance is generally intended for existing central air conditioning systems that can be restored safely and economically. In some cases, replacing a window unit or providing a fan may be the more appropriate option, depending on household circumstances and local program guidelines. Households should ask their local energy assistance provider whether repair assistance is available in their area.
4. Automatic Eligibility for Many Households With Seniors
One advantage of Ohio’s program is that many households qualify simply because at least one household member is age 60 or older. Seniors qualify under the age requirement alone and do not need medical documentation simply because they are 60 or older. Applicants qualifying because of a medical condition instead of age generally must provide documentation from a qualified healthcare professional.
Unlike applicants qualifying through certain medical conditions, seniors generally do not need physician documentation solely based on age eligibility. Households must still meet the program’s income requirements, which generally are at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or applicable state median income rules for larger households). For a family of four, the annual income limit for 2026 is approximately $57,750.
5. Local Agencies Can Help You Apply
Applications are processed through Ohio’s network of Community Action Agencies and Energy Assistance Providers rather than a single statewide office. Most applicants need to schedule an appointment and provide documentation such as proof of income, recent utility bills, identification, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Some households may also need documentation of medical conditions if they qualify under health-related criteria rather than age.
Residents can begin the application process online, but many households will still need to complete an appointment with their local Community Action Agency before assistance can be approved. Having recent utility bills, proof of income, identification, and residency documents ready beforehand can speed the process considerably.
Appointments can also often be scheduled online or by phone through local providers. Applying early in the season gives applicants more flexibility and helps avoid the rush that often develops during prolonged heat waves.
Staying Cool Is Also a Health Strategy
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States, and older adults face a higher risk because the body’s ability to regulate temperature declines with age. Chronic medical conditions and certain prescription medications can further increase the risk of heat-related illness, making access to reliable cooling especially important during prolonged heat waves.
Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program is designed to help older adults stay safe while easing the financial burden of cooling a home during the hottest months of the year. Whether assistance comes through utility bill payments, air conditioner repairs, or new cooling equipment, applying early can improve your chances of receiving help before demand increases. If you think you may qualify, contact your local Community Action Agency or begin the application process as soon as the program opens on July 1. Preparing your paperwork now can make it easier to receive assistance when you need it most.
Have you or someone you know used Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program before? Share your experience or tips for staying cool during the summer in the comments below.
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