Kno-Ho-Co summer energy help continues

Kno-Ho-Co summer energy help continues
                        

As the heatwave continues, Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission continues to 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. The program runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.

To apply for the program, clients are required to complete an intake process with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission. Clients need to provide copies of the following documents:

—Their most recent energy bills (electric and heating).

—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.

—Photo ID.

—Proof of disability (if applicable).

—Social Security numbers for all household members.

—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).

—Proof of service disconnection if not over 60 or medical eligibility.

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or households that have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill or require air-conditioning. Medical conditions for those qualifications can include such things as lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

The total benefit amount payable to the electric utility is up to $500 for PUCO regulated utilities, $800 for non-PUCO (co-ops) and up to $500 for repair of a central air-conditioning unit. Also, qualifying households may be eligible for an air-conditioner and/or fan if the household has not received this benefit in the past three years.

Households do not have to be in disconnect status if a household member is over 60 or has a documented medical condition; however, those in disconnect status must receive utility assistance before additional benefits will be considered and cannot exceed the total maximum allowable benefit with both utility and additional benefits.

Income guidelines are at 175% of the Federal Poverty Level. A family of four may earn up to $3,768.49 in the past 30 days. Due to COVID-19 concerns, for the safety of staff and clients, there will be no face-to-face intake. Applications will be completed via phone interview once all the required documentation is completed and submitted.

For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program or to start the application process, call Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland CAC at 330-674-6479. For more information about energy-assistance programs, call 800-282-0880 Monday through Friday (hearing-impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance). For a list of energy-assistance providers, select option two.


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