Cooling aid still available

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The Community Action Organization of Delaware County is reminding area residents that help is available to stay cool during hot summer days.

Ohioans can contact their local energy assistance provider for resources to cool their homes. A list of providers is available at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program runs until Aug. 31 and provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air-conditioning repairs. Eligible customers may also receive a portable air conditioner or fan.

The program provides assistance to low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. This can include lung disease; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; or asthma. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $42,525.

To apply for the program, customers are required to schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider. Customers need to bring:

• A copy of their most recent energy bill.

• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 90 days for each member.

• Proof of citizenship or legal resident.

• 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).

Eligible households can receive a combination of a portable air conditioner, fan and/or utility assistance. Utility assistance is applied to a customer’s utility bill or applied to central air-conditioning repair costs.

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP Plus) are not eligible for bill payment assistance through the program but are encouraged to work with the Community Action Organization of Madison County to identify other opportunities for assistance.

For more information, contact Diana Coffman at 740-369-3184. Additional information can also be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling 800-282-0880.

Staff Report

Information for this story was provided by the Community Action Organization of Delaware County.

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