Summer crisis program helps Seneca County residents

The Ohio Department of Development and Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from now until September 30, 2022. The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma. To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with the Great Lakes Community Action Commission for Seneca County Residents at 567-432-5046 and press 2 for SCP. Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment: · Copies of their most recent energy bills; · A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member; · Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members; · Proof of disability (if applicable); · Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health (if there isn't a household member over the age of 60). The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA) is a nonprofit agency that serves Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot Counties. We have programs for all ages and income levels; however, we specialize in services and programs for older adults and anyone with disabilities. If you need assistance applying for programs such as HEAP, Medicare, Medicaid, Extra Help or other programs please contact our office at 419-524-4144 or 800-860-5799. Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan. For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact the Great Lakes Community Action Commission for Seneca County Residents at 567-432-5046 and press 2 for SCP. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.