ASHLAND, OH — Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program is now open for households that need help staying cool and keeping the power on during the hottest months. The program runs from July 1 through Sept. 30 and can help with electric bills, an air-conditioner, a fan, or repairs to a central air-conditioning system.
The assistance is part of the state Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program and is being administered locally through Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission. It is aimed at income-eligible Ohioans, especially households facing disconnection, shutoff, new service needs, or cooling-related health concerns.
Who Can Apply
The program is designed for low-income households that meet the income rules and one of the listed need categories. That includes people who have a disconnection notice, have already been shut off, need to establish new electric service, or need cooling help because someone in the home is age 60 or older or has a documented medical condition.
The article says qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and other health problems. Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus program may also be eligible if they meet the same requirements. The income limit listed for a family of four is $57,750 a year.
How To Apply
Applicants must schedule an appointment with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission before applying. Appointments can be made by calling 740-622-9801. The program is open through Sept. 30, so households that think they may need help should not wait until the end of the season.
People should bring copies of their most recent energy bills, a list of everyone in the household, proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, proof of disability if needed, and physician documentation if cooling assistance is being requested for health reasons.
What The Program Covers
The Summer Crisis Program can help in several ways, depending on the household’s situation. It may pay part of an electric bill, help purchase an air-conditioner or fan, or cover repairs to a central air-conditioning unit. The state says the program is meant to give practical relief during extreme heat, not a one-time cash payment that can be used for anything.
Last year, the program helped more than 55,000 Ohio households and provided $12.4 million in benefits. That gives a sense of how widely the aid is used, but it does not change the current rules. Eligibility still depends on income, household circumstances, and the documents a family can provide at the appointment.
Where To Confirm
Ohioans who want more information can contact the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 at 800-945-4250. The state also directs residents to the energy-assistance website at energyhelp.ohio.gov to find a local provider and review program details.
Before acting, households should confirm their local intake process, since the article points to Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland as the appointment site for this area. Rules can also vary in practice based on household size, medical documentation, and whether the request is for bill help, cooling equipment, or repairs. Checking with the official provider is the safest way to make sure the needed paperwork is ready.
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