ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
By Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, Nov 21, 2025–Ohio offers several Energy Assistance Programs to help income-eligible households manage their heating and electric expenses more effectively. If you or someone you know could benefit from an energy assistance program, here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how to apply.
Programs Available in Ohio
- Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs are designed to meet different household needs:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP provides a benefit that is applied directly to your utility bill to help cover heating costs. - Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP)
Offered to households facing utility disconnection, this provides emergency financial assistance applied directly to your bill. - Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
PIPP is a payment plan that caps your monthly utility payments at a percentage of your household income — typically 5% or 10%, depending on your heating source. - Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)
HWAP helps make your home more energy efficient by improving insulation, heating systems, and overall energy performance — saving you money long term. - Electric Partnership Program (EPP)
EPP works with utilities and communities to provide energy-saving tools and upgrades for qualifying households. - For HWAP and EPP, you can find your local provider by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Three ways to apply:
- Online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
- By mail, using a paper application and sending it with copies of your documents to the listed P.O. Box. LINK TO DOWNLOAD FORM
- In person, by scheduling an appointment with your local energy assistance provider or HWAP/EPP provider.
- Please note: Applications submitted online or by mail can take up to 12 weeks to process, so applying early is strongly encouraged.
To complete your application, be prepared to provide:
- Proof of citizenship for each household member
- Proof of income (from the last 30 days or last 12 months)
- Copies of your most recent utility bills
- Disability verification, if applicable
- Who Qualifies as a Household? (A household is defined as one person or a group of people living together as a single economic unit and sharing energy costs.)
Renters, if you live in federally subsidized housing and have a utility bill in your name, you may still be eligible. You’ll need documentation such as:
- A copy of your utility bill
- A lease or rental agreement
- Or a signed letter from your landlord confirming your responsibility
Eligible heat sources. To qualify, your home’s primary heating source must be one of the following:
- Gas or electric utility service
- Permanent fuel tank (oil or propane)
- Legal fireplace using wood
- Properly vented wood or coal stove/furnace
Residents of hospitals, nursing facilities, or publicly operated group housing (such as some community residences or shelters) are not eligible.
HEAP benefit depends on:
- Federal funding levels
- Household size
- Household income
- Primary heating source
- HEAP benefits are generally paid directly to your utility provider.
If you’re reapplying for PIPP, your payment amount will be based on 5% or 10% of your total household income, depending on your heat source.
Income Guidelines
- For most programs, households must fall at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
- For households larger than 8 people, income limits use 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).
- For HWAP, eligibility can go up to 200% of the FPG, with adjustments for larger households.
Why these programs matter
Energy assistance programs can make a real difference — keeping families warm in the winter, helping manage monthly bills, and improving long-term energy efficiency at home.
If you think you may qualify, don’t wait. Start your application at energyhelp.ohio.gov and explore which programs are right for you.
Ohio’s Energy Assistance Programs are available from July 2025 through May 2026, so mark your calendar and apply early.
