Winter heating help continues, utility credit support also available

Along with emergency utility help through the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Winter Crisis Program, GLCAP reminds residents that one-time utility bill assistance is also available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). 

GLCAP’s Winter Crisis Program helps residents of Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties who have received a gas or electric disconnect notice or have already had utilities disconnected. The program can also assist those who are facing a shortage of bulk fuel such as wood, propane, or fuel oil, or need new or transferred service with a utility company.
 
Whereas the Winter Crisis Program provides emergency heating support, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers a once-per-year utility credit that helps low to moderate-income households offset the cost of utilities or fuel supplies. The credit is directly applied to the household’s utility or bulk fuel account. The 2025 HEAP credit amounts are determined by the State of Ohio Department of Development. Clients will receive a letter once the amount is determined to let them know how much the benefit will be and when the benefit will be credited to their account.

Both programs are available for household size of 7 or less that are at, or below 175% federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $26,355/household of one; $54,600 household of four) and for household sizes of 8 or more that are 60% of state median income. While Winter Crisis applications require an in-person appointment, HEAP applications may be completed online or via mail.

HEAP applications are available through the Ohio Department of Development’s website at www.development.ohio.gov as well as GLCAP’s utility assistance website at www.glcap.org/winterheating. Those who need help through the Winter Crisis Program may also use the GLCAP website or call 419-273-4212 to schedule an appointment for assistance.
  
Emergency winter heating assistance through the Winter Crisis Program is available through March 31, 2025.