The Ohio Development Services Agency wants to remind Ohioans that heating assistance is available to eligible households through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Starting today and running until March 31, 2016, the HEAP Winter Crisis Program will provide assistance to eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel.

“We are working to make sure Ohioans stay warm this winter,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.

To qualify for the Winter Crisis Program, a household must be threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. The household must also have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $42,437.50. From November 2014 – March 2015, more than 130,000 Ohioans were helped by the program statewide.

Individuals interested in receiving Winter Crisis assistance must have a face-to-face interview at the local HEAP provider. A list of providers is available at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. Ohioans also can call the toll-free hotline at (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday (hearing impaired customers may dial (800) 686-1557 for assistance) or visit http://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heapwinter.htm for more information about the Winter Crisis Program.

For more information about energy assistance programs, call (800) 282-0880 or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.