JVCAI Winter Crisis Program to run through Nov. 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025Free Access

The Ohio Department of Development and Jackson-Vinton Community Action, Inc. (JVCAI) will help income-eligible Ohioans stay warm during the winter months with the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program, which provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying a utility or bulk fuel bill/or an electric bill or assistance paying for heating system repairs. The program runs from Nov. 1, 2024, until March 31, 2025.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with JVCAI. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 740-384-3722. Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment: copies of their most recent energy bills, a list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members and proof of disability (if applicable).

Last year, more than 1,143 families in Jackson and Vinton Counties were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

Eligible households can receive up to $175 if they are a client of a regulated utility, or $750 if they are a client of unregulated utilities, such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The main heating source and/or related electric energy source must be either in disconnect status, have been terminated, need to establish new service, need to transfer service, have PIPP default, first PIPP, have 25 percent (or less) of bulk fuel supply remaining or heating unit repair/replacement is needed. The assistance is applied to their utility bill and/or applied to heating system repair costs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for households up to seven members and 60 percent State Median Income (SMI) for households with eight or more members to qualify for assistance. An appointment no-show may result in utilities being shut off.

For more information about the features of the Winter Crisis Program, contact Jackson-Vinton Community Action, Inc. at 740-384-3722.