11/20/2025
Pathway Inc., Department of Development Offering
Heating Assistance to Help Avoid Chill of Winter Months
The Ohio Department of Development and Pathway Inc. want to help alleviate the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep more of Ohio’s families warm.
From Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time assistance with their home energy bill through the Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.
The Winter Crisis Program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those who have already been disconnected, individuals needing to establish new service, those required to pay for a service transfer. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank to maintain service. Qualifying households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $56,262.50.
Households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)-regulated utility must sign up for PIPP or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the utility bill after receiving assistance.
Ohioans can start their application online but must schedule an appointment with their local energy assistance provider to complete the application. Depending on the agency, the appointment may be in person, on the phone, or remotely. The application and list of providers can be found online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
Their most recent energy bills, if available
A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
Proof of disability, if applicable
For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.
505 Hamilton Street | Toledo, Ohio | 419 242 7304 | [email protected]
www.PathwayToledo.org