STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Department of Development and Jefferson County CAC want to remind Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills.

Beginning Friday, March 31 — or until funds run out — income-eligible Ohioans can get help paying their heating bills through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The program helps low-income households pay their heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection, disconnected from utilities, transferring services, installing new services, or have a PIPP default with a disconnection notice on 25 percent or less fuel may also be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program.

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans’ gross income must be at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members and 60 percent of the state median income for a family of eight or more members. The annual income for a family of four must be $54,600 or less.

To apply for the program, clients must make an appointment at the Jefferson County CAC. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (740) 725-8383 or online at jeffersoncountycac.itfrontdesk.com.

Clients are required to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of recent energy bills.

• A list of all household members and proof of income for each member for the last 30 days or 12 months.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence for all household members.

• Proof of disability (if applicable)

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus program who meet the above criteria may also be eligible to receive assistance with default PIPP payments or initial PIPP payments.

For information about the winter crisis program and application requirements, contact the Jefferson County CAC at (740) 282-0971, ext. 200. To connect with your local energy assistance provider, visit Energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800). ) 282-0880.