Ohio Opens Winter Crisis Heating Aid Program
Income-eligible households can apply for one-time help with home heating bills through March 31, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Utilities
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Ohio launched the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program for income-eligible households on November 1, 2026. The program provides one-time assistance with home heating bills and is open until March 31, 2027.
Why it matters
The Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services aim to ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter. Last year the program helped more than 73,000 Ohio households.
Last year the program distributed $25.5 million to more than 73,000 households. Eligibility for a family of four is capped at $57,750 in annual gross income, while the bulk fuel threshold for assistance is 25 percent or less remaining in the tank.
The players
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission
A community action agency serving Knox, Ashland and Holmes counties that administers local energy assistance and other low-income programs.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
The Ohio state agency that oversees public assistance programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.
The details
The program assists Ohioans facing service disconnection, those already disconnected, individuals establishing new service, and those required to pay for a service transfer. Applicants must schedule an appointment with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission by calling 419-281-4327 and bring recent energy bills, proof of income, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Winter Crisis Program became available to income-eligible Ohioans.
March 31, 2027: Winter Crisis Program application period ends.
Market Landscape
Ohio's winter heating aid operates within the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program framework that funds state-run winter benefits for low-income households. The state program's eligibility rules and benefit structure place it among the regional efforts that help households manage utility costs during cold months.
Households facing disconnection or a service transfer can receive one-time help with heating bills by scheduling an appointment before the March 31, 2027 deadline. Applicants should gather recent energy bills, income documentation for all household members, and proof of citizenship or legal residency before calling.
The takeaway
Winter heating aid is available on a one-time basis, so households at risk of disconnection should contact the local community action agency early. Scheduling an appointment before the program closes on March 31, 2027 gives applicants time to gather required documents.
Further reading
For more on how energy costs affect household budgets, see Utilities coverage across the state.
More information
Find local help through the Ohio energy provider locator for assistance with utility bills.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ashland Source - Ashland County Ohio News & Info.
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