Where to get heating bill help in Cleveland Ohio - Programs focused on the city
There are several programs that are either unique to the Cleveland OH area or that focus on helping people in the city pay their heating bills. Below you will find details on everything from grants to information on payment plans to provide time to pay utility bills, PIPP, benefits from the government and more. Find details below on programs, and places, that focus on paying heating costs in Cleveland and the immediate area. Charities, non-profits such as CHN and the No-Heat Emergency Services as well as government agencies also provide financial help to people in nearby towns and cities, including Akron. The services, whether PIPP or money from a non-profit in Cuyahoga County, are really extended to all of Summit County too.
Programs offered by utility and gas companies
The
HeatShare Program
, which is also commonly called EnergyShare , is a crisis program offered by the Salvation Army in Ohio. It generally runs during the winter months of January to May, but funding may run out earlier. Low income families in Cleveland and other regions may qualify for a one time grant for their gas or heating bills. Many Columbia Gas customers turn to this program. Eligibility for any aid is based strictly upon need and doesn’t necessarily follow government assistance guidelines, so more moderate income people may enroll. Contact the
Cleveland Salvation Army
for more information.
PIPP Plus
is offered by all companies, including Cleveland Public Power and Duke Energy. Qualified low-income customers who heat with natural gas pay at most 5 percent of their monthly income to their natural gas or electric company for their bills. If you make your payments on time, the program may even slowly eliminate any past due balance on your account over 24 months. More information is on the state website or ask about this at your local community action agency. Social service and community action agencies in Cuyahoga County Ohio offer the federal government HEAP program . This is a federal funded program that provides financial assistance for low-income families for their heating bills, with priority of seniors or disabled people in Cleveland. Certain federal government poverty guidelines are in place. Any assistance paid out will depend on the type of fuel you use to heat your home, your income, and number of family members. Step Forward, the community action agency of the area, processes HEAP applications during the fall / winter as well as they have other emergency financial resources too
- most offered in partnership with the government. The main office is at 1801 Superior Avenue Suite 400 Cleveland, OH 44114. Call 216-696-9077. Sometimes a onetime emergency grant may be paid out to people in a crisis The main application site is
Step Forward community action or of course try the online government system. The Ohio Public Utilities Commission mandates that all companies offer
Extended Payment Plans
during the winter. It allows customers, including struggling families in Cleveland, additional time to either pay their bills or restore their service. Usually a customer will need to pay a portion of the heating bill in order to qualify, and they then need to remain current with their payments going forward. Call the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at 800 686-7826. The
Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services
can help families. Provided they meet guidelines, families may qualify for emergency heating and energy bill assistance that is offered in partnership with local non-profits like Step Forward. Some of the qualifying situations that need to be met by applicants include the lack of heat or power must threaten the health, safety or decent living arrangements of a Cleveland area family with other benefits also offered as noted here https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/topics/detail/housing-utilities .
Cleveland OH charities that help pay heating costs
The Spanish American Committee, based at 4407 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, works with local charities and non-profits, including on providing money to pay winter gas and electric bills The organization is advocate for the Spanish speaking community in the Cleveland and Akron area. They assist customers in finding grants through Cuyahoga and Summit County agencies. The Spanish American Committee only offers referrals and help in completing applications for resources. Call 216-961-2100.
CHN Housing Partners
supports all of Cuyahoga County, and they are a leading non-profit to call for information or applications for heating bill assistance. They also help with furnaces and heating system repairs. Call ((216) 574-7100. One main program is known as No-Heat Emergency Services. They partner with the United Way 211 as well as local non-profits. Any type of payment is sent directly to your energy company, with some emergency help also offered during the winter to seniors in Cleveland OH that are facing a shut off. The office is at 3711 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114.