More than 73,000 Ohio households received help last year!
Circleville, OHIO –PICCA and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) want to help ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio families warm. Beginning Nov 1, income-eligible Ohioians can receive one-time help with their home heating bill through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (WCP). The program runs through March 31, 2027.
“Winter can create real financial challenges for families, especially when heating costs compete with groceries, medications, and other necessities. The HEAP Winter Crisis Program gives eligible Pickaway County residents an important source of support during a difficult time, and PICCA is proud to help connect our community with that assistance.” Said Jonna Motter, Executive Director of PICCA.
WCP assist Ohioians who are facing service disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25% or less of bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.
To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.
Last year WCP helped more than 73,000 Ohio households providing $25.5 million in benefits. PICCA’s case managers processed over 650 WCP applications.
To apply, residents of Pickaway County must schedule an appointment with PICCA. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 740-889-1040 or online at www.pickawaycca.itfrontdesk.com. Depending the on agency, appointments may be in person, by phone, or remote. Office hours are 7:30 am -4:30 pm Monday – Thursday. Ohioians can also start an application online and find their local energy assistance provider at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Applicants should bring copies of the following to the appointment:
Their most recent energy bills
A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for each member
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
Proof of disability, if applicable
Households served by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another payment plan if an outstanding balance remains on the utility bill after receiving assistance.
For more information about WCP and what is needed to apply, contact Rocky Saxour at 740-477-1655 or rsaxour@picca.info. To be connected with your local energy assistance provider, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov
About PICCA
The Pickaway County Community Action Organization Mission is to be an active agent and partner for change in Pickaway County by providing opportunities with empower people in poverty to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life.