Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach Program

Guide through the Energy Maze

A directory of programs that help with
home heating bills, weatherization and reducing energy use.

Prepared by:

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
925 Euclid Avenue, Suite 600
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 621-8010

Revised 12/99

Energy Assistance Programs

There are several programs dedicated to assisting residents of our area in reducing energy consumption, paying home heating bills, and providing for energy saving weatherization. The most common reason for not receiving energy assistance is that people simply are not aware of the programs available. The confusion created by different sign-up dates, various applications, and the numerous agencies that administer programs makes it difficult for those in need to apply.

The Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) has prepared this "Guide through the Energy Maze" to provide you with information on available energy assistance programs. Each program is described along with its benefits, eligibility rules, and where to go for more information. We hope that the Guide will help you, or those you know, find and access the programs that meet your needs.

If you have any comments, or need additional information, please contact the WRAAA at (216) 621-8010.

Sincerely,

Ronald Hill
Executive Director

Assistance In Paying Heating Bills

        Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
        Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program
        Ohio Energy Credit
        Percentage of Income Plan

Making Your Home Warmer-And Energy Efficient

        Home Weatherization Assistance Program

Property Tax Assistance

        Homestead Exemption

Additional Information

        Total Household Income
        Department of Human Services
        Information and Referral Services
        County Offices in Aging

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program

Also called Emergency HEAP

BENEFITS

Emergency HEAP helps pay up to $175.00 for eligible persons who are:

      In danger of being disconnected from their heating source, or
      Have been disconnected, or
      Those with less than a ten day supply of fuel.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Income Guidelines: Size of Household Past Three Months Income

      1 Person up to $3,090
      2 Person up to $4,148
      3 Person up to $5,205
      4 Person up to $6,263
      5 Person up to $7,320
      6 Person up to $8,378

For larger households add $1,058 for each additional person.

Call the agency listed below for information on how to qualify for a three-month income assessment.

AGE - Open to all ages

OTHER - This program is available to most families in the income range who are responsible for paying their own heating bills. Some renters, when the cost of heat is included in their rent, also may be eligible.

How To Apply/For More Information

Call the agency listed below for the area in which you live for application procedures.

      (216) 420-6830 Cuyahoga County Office on Aging (HEAP Rep.)
      (440) 285-9141 Geauga County Department of Human Services
      (440) 350-4000 Lake County Department of Human Services
      (440) 246-6766 Community Action Lorain County
      (330) 723-2229 Community Action Wayne-Medina
      1-800-686-1557 For the hearing impaired with TTD or in Franklin County call (614) 752-8808

Applications for Emergency HEAP will be accepted November 3, 1999 through March 31, 2000

Home Energy Assistance Program

Also called Regular HEAP

BENEFITS

Provides payment towards winter home heating bills by either a credit applied to your heating bill or a voucher towards the purchase of fuel. The amount of assistance varies depending on type of fuel you use to heat, the size of your household, and the total income of the household.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Income
All income for the past twelve months based on household size is considered:

      1 Person up to $12,360
      2 Person up to $16,590
      3 Person up to $20,820
      4 Person up to $25,050
      5 Person up to $29,280
      6 Person up to $33,510

Income requirements for HEAP change annually. For larger households, call an agency listed below for income requirements. For households with more than 6 members, add $4,230 per member.
AGE - Open to all ages

OTHER - This program is available to most homeowners or renters in the income range who are responsible for paying their own heating bills. Some renters, when t3e cost of heat is included in their rent, also may be eligible.

How To Apply HEAP applications are available at most senior centers, libraries, or by calling HEAP. The application must be filled out and mailed to HEAP, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 43216. A copy of your last heating bill and proof of income is also required. In-home assistance is available to help with completing HEAP applications.

The program income season is September through March.

For More Information

      1-800-282-0880 Toll free Ohio HEAP hotline
      (216) 589-9292 Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland
      (216) 436-2000 First Call of Help
      (216) 420-6830 Cuyahoga County Office on Aging
      (440) 285-9141 Geauga County Department of Human Services
      1-800-755-1402 Lake County Council on Aging
      (440) 329-5132 Lorain County Senior Citizens Association
      (330) 723-9514 Medina County Office for Older Adults<\p>

Home Weatherization Assistance Program

Also called HWAP

BENEFITS

HWAP provides materials and labor for weatherizing homes, apartments or mobile homes. Some examples of the work provided by HWAP include insulation, caulking around windows and doorways, energy-saving thermostats and tune-ups for furnaces.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Income

All income for the past twelve months bases on household size:

      1 Person up to $12,360
      2 Person up to $16,590
      3 Person up to $20,820
      4 Person up to $25,050
      5 Person up to $29,280
      6 Person up to $33,510

For larger households add $1,058 for each additional person.

AGE - Open to all ages. Priority is given to the elderly and the disabled.

OTHER - This program is available to most homeowners and renters (with landlords permission) in the income range.

How To Apply/For More Information

This program is available all year.

Call the agency listed below for the area in which you live for application procedures.

      (216) 443-7280 Cuyahoga County Department Development
      (216) 664-4102 City of Cleveland Community Development
      (440) 285-9141 Geauga County Department of Human Services
      (440) 998-4996 Community Action Ashtabula (Serves Lake County)
      (440) 245-1870 Community Action Lorain County
      (330) 723-2229 Community Action Wayne-Medina

Ohio Energy Credits

Also referred to as OEC

BENEFITS

Ohio Energy Credits provides assistance in paying for heating bills through either a credit on your bill or a payment for your purchase of heating fuel. Approved applicants who receive natural gas, electric or propane by pipeline may receive up to a 30% credit for the five month heating season. Those who purchase fuel, oil, propane, wood, kerosene, or coal will receive a onetime payment of $125.00. Persons who have their heating costs included in their rent payment will receive a one time payment of $125.00

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Income

Your annual income must be less than $9,090. This does not include any welfare payments of Supplemental Security Income ($4,545 for 1st six months of current year).

AGE - You must be 65 or over

NOTE: - Disabled persons under age 65 also are eligible.

OTHER

This program is open to eligible persons who either pay their own heating costs or have it included in their rent. Residents of government housing, or those who receive a rent subsidy, are not eligible.

How To Apply

Energy Credit applications are available at most senior centers, libraries, or by calling the State Department of Taxation. The application must be filled out and mailed to Ohio Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 2619, Columbus, OH 43266-0199. Although the deadline for applications is September 30, the Departments accepts applications year round.

For More Information

      1-800-282-4310 Toll fee Ohio number (Department of Taxation)
      (216) 436-2000 First Call for Help in Cuyahoga County
      (216) 285-2222 Geauga County Department on Aging
      1-800-755-1402 Lake County Council on Aging
      (440) 329-5132 Lorain County Senior Citizens Association
      (330) 723-9514 Medina County Office for Older Adults

Percentage of Income Plan

Also called PIP

BENEFITS

The Percentage of Income Plan helps lower income households by establishing a payment plan for their heating bills. Qualified persons pay as little as 10% of the current bill during the winter heating season (November through April). During the warmer months, customers pay either 10% of their income or the current bill, whichever is higher.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Income
Households receiving either Ohio Energy Credits or HEAP are eligible for PIP.

AGE - This program is open to all ages.

OTHER

PIP is offered through regulated utilities such as Dominion East Ohio or Columbia Gas, CEI, and Cleveland Public Power. If you are served by a municipal utility program or coop, please call your City offices to find out if PIP is available.

How To Apply

Applications for the Percentage of Income Plan are made through the local utility companies.

You will need a copy of your utility bill and proof of income.

For More Information

      1-800-362-7557 Dominion East Ohio Gas customers
         - Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga Counties area
      1-800-344-4077 Columbia Gas customers - Medina County area
      1-800-344-4077 Columbia Gas customers - Lorain County area
      1-800-633-4766 Ohio Edison - Lorain County area customers
      1-800-633-4766 Ohio Edison - Medina County customers
      1-800-589-3101 The Illuminating Company - Lake County area
      (216) 861-9000 The Illuminating Company - Cuyahoga County area
      1-800-589-3101 The Illuminating Company - Geauga County area

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

BENEFITS

Homestead Exemption is a program administered by the office of County Auditor Tim McCormack to reduce the property tax of people 65 years of age or of people who are permanently and totally disabled.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

      Age 65 anytime during calendar year or 100% totally and permanently disabled. A surviving spouse aged 59-64 of Homestead recipient is also eligible.

      Property must be owner occupied.

      Own your own home or manufactured home and live in it as of January 1 of filing year.

      Total income of spouse & applicant less than $23,000 per year.

>OTHER PROGRAMS & SERVICES AVAILABLE

      Homestead Water Discount
      Property Tax Appeal

Applications for Homestead Exemption can be obtained on the first floor of the County Administration Building, 1219 Ontario, Room 110A. Hours are 8:30AM to 4:30PM - Monday through Friday. For more information call 443-7050.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Total Household Income:

Total household income is defined as the total annual income before taxes from all household members, except earned income of dependent minors under 18 years of age. Head of household and spouse may never be considered minors. Gross household income includes wages, interest, dividends, annuities and pensions, including but not limited to:

      Social Security
      (SSI) Supplemental Security Income
      (SSD) Social Security Disability Income
      Child Support Received
      Railroad Pensions
      Retirement and/or Company Pensions
      Veterans' Pension and/or Disability
      Company Disability Black Lung
      Strike Benefits
      Alimony
      Unemployment Benefits
      Workers' Compensation
      Unearned income paid to or on the behalf of minors
      Cash gifts
      Lump Sum Distribution
      Estate & Trust Settlements

NOTE: prorated when payment is designated (excluding Attorney fees)

NOTE: for a period of time. prorated when payment is designated for a o Immigrant Relocation Allowance period of time. o Adoption Assistance o OWF/TANF (AFDC) o Military Family Allotments o Capital Gains example: (proceeds from the sale of property, home & stocks)

Department of Human Services:

      (216) 431-4500 Cuyahoga County
      (440) 285-9141 Geauga County
      (330) 225-7755 Medina County
      (216) 350-4000 Lake County
      (440) 323-5726 Lorain County
      (440) 284-4500 Lorain County
      (440) 244-4150 Lorain County

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Cont'd)

Information and Referral Services:

      (216) 436-2000 First Call for Help, Cuyahoga County
      (440) 282-7401 First Call for Help, Lorain County
      (330) 723-9515 Medina County Information and Referral for older adults
      (888) 386-3194 Geauga Info-Line
      (216) 696-4357 Catholic Information & Referral Service

County Offices on Aging:

      (216) 420-6750 Cuyahoga County Office on Aging
      (440) 285-2222 Geauga County Department on Aging
      1-800-755-1402 Lake County Council on Aging
      (440) 329-5581 Lorain County Senior Citizens Association
      (330) 723-9514 Medina County Office for Older Adults