Winter can bring soaring gas bills for many Cleveland families, but a suite of state‑funded and local assistance programs is available to keep homes warm without sacrificing other necessities. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) administers the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), while Cuyahoga County partners such as Step Forward help residents navigate the application process.
HEAP: One‑Time Annual Help for Eligible Households
HEAP provides a one‑time payment toward gas or electric bills for Ohioans whose gross household income is at or below 175 % of the federal poverty line. The program is open to renters and homeowners alike. Applicants must report total pre‑tax household income for the most recent 30‑day period (the last 12 months is preferred). Income earned by dependent minors is excluded, so a teenager’s wages from a part‑time job do not count toward the household total.
To apply, residents create an OHID account and complete the online form on a computer—mobile devices are not supported. Those without computer access can use public terminals at Cleveland Public Library or Cuyahoga County Library branches. In‑person or phone applications are also possible by scheduling an appointment with a local energy‑assistance provider, typically Step Forward for county residents. Processing takes about 12 weeks, so signing the application promptly helps avoid delays.
Seasonal Crisis Programs: Winter and Summer
HEAP also runs two seasonal assistance streams. The Winter Crisis Program, running from November 1 to March 31, 2027, targets heating needs. Eligible households must meet the same 175 % income threshold and be facing disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or have less than 25 % of their bulk fuel supply remaining in their home tank.
The Summer Crisis Program offers cooling assistance, covering electric bills and central‑air‑conditioning repairs or purchases for qualifying families.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
The PIPP or PIPP Plus plan helps eligible Ohioans manage monthly utility costs year‑round. Households earning at or below 175 % of the federal poverty line pay either $10 or 5 % of their gross monthly income—whichever is higher. Timely, full payments trigger forgiveness of past utility debt and a credit on the current bill.
Applicants submit the same income and identification documents required for HEAP. Applications are accepted online year‑round, and appointments with Step Forward are available for in‑person assistance.
Special Reconnect Orders
For customers who have been disconnected or are threatened with disconnection, the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issues Special Reconnect Orders. For a fee of $76 plus tax, utilities must reconnect service during the winter heating season (mid‑October through April 16). The order is available to any regulated utility customer, regardless of income, but can be used only at the primary residence.
There is no formal application; customers simply contact their utility and request the order.
Enbridge Heat Care Program
Enbridge Gas Ohio’s Heat Care Program provides a last‑resort safety net for customers who have exhausted all state and federal assistance. Funded by tax‑deductible donations from Enbridge customers, shareholders, employees and partners, the program distributes aid through local nonprofits such as the Salvation Army.
To qualify, applicants must be Enbridge customers who have received a termination notice and have used every other assistance option. Seniors 60 years or older may apply without a termination notice. Non‑Enbridge customers can still seek help through their own utility providers.
Donations can be mailed to the Salvation Army’s Heat Care address in Cleveland, and applicants contact their local Salvation Army office for enrollment.
How to Get Started
Residents seeking help should first check eligibility on the ODJFS website, then gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, utility bills and identification for each household member. With documents in hand, they can create an OHID account, complete the online HEAP application, or schedule an appointment with Step Forward for personalized assistance.
Because processing can take up to three months, families are encouraged to apply early—especially before the winter heating season begins. Local libraries and community centers remain valuable resources for those without internet access.
These programs reflect a commitment from state and local leaders to protect vulnerable families, uphold the dignity of hard‑working households, and ensure that every Cleveland home can stay warm during the cold months.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
