ODOD, ABCAP expand Winter Crisis heating aid for Adams County residents

The Ohio Department of Development and the Adams, Brown, Clermont Community Action Partnership announced expanded local access to the Winter Crisis Program, a one-time emergency heating benefit designed to prevent utility shutoffs, restore service, establish new service, pay service-transfer fees, or purchase bulk heating fuel when supply is critically low. The state-run WCP is effective each heating season from Nov. 1 through Mar. 31, and last season served more than 73,000 Ohio households and delivered $25.5 million in benefits.

Eligibility for WCP is limited to households with gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level; the state materials give the example that 175 percent FPL for a family of four equals $56,262.50. The program will assist Ohioans who have already been disconnected, who have received a disconnect notice, who need to establish new service, who must pay for a service transfer, or who have 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank, such as propane, fuel oil, or wood. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel notes that consumers with a current medical certification on file remain ineligible while that certification is in effect; OCC also warns that missing signatures or documentation will delay processing.

“We’re proud to show up for Ohioans when they need us most, especially when Ohio winters create challenges for individuals and families,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “The Winter Crisis Program is here to provide critical support so people can stay safe, healthy, and warm through our coldest time of the year.”

State and federal context heighten the program’s relevance. ODOD materials point to energy-affordability pressures; the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects higher household heating costs this winter because of elevated natural gas prices and increased demand for heating. Given last season’s statewide distribution of $25.5 million, the expanded local access through ABCAP aims to channel emergency funds to Adams County households at heightened risk of disconnection.

To apply, residents must begin the ODOD online application process and schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider; appointments may be in person, by phone, or remote depending on the agency. Applicants should be prepared to provide the most recent energy bills if available, a list of all household members including birth dates and Social Security numbers, proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months depending on the program, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, and disability verification if applicable. Households served by PUCO-regulated utilities that still have an outstanding balance after WCP assistance must enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan or another payment arrangement.

Additional ODOD programs linked to winter assistance include HEAP, a once-per-year utility credit applied directly to a household’s utility or bulk fuel account, and the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides energy-efficiency improvements at no cost. The state has said 2025 HEAP credit amounts are to be determined and that clients will receive letters when benefits are set.

Adams County residents seeking help should contact ABCAP, the local community action agency for Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties, to schedule an appointment and complete applications through the state energy assistance portal. For statewide questions, ODOD lists general contact numbers and the Department of Development media office; Mason Waldvogel, Deputy Chief of Media Relations, is listed at (614) 961-1688, and the Development office is located at 77 South High Street, 29th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, which serves other counties, handles scheduling at 419-273-4212 and maintains a regional call line at 1-800-775-9767. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel provides guidance on the 30-Day Medical Certificate and other eligibility issues.