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Winter Crisis / Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP/EHEAP) | Lifeline

12753 Kinsman Rd., Ste. 17 Building H, Newbury, OH 44065

Eligibility

Serves Geauga County households with a gross annual income not more than 175% of the federal poverty level (Ohio Works First payments are not counted as income for this program). Either gas or electric service or both must have been disconnected or be in threat of being disconnected. Anyone with fraudulent activity on the account does not qualify until matter has been resolved. Must be able to control their own heat level (some complexes simply turn heat on in the fall and off in the spring, with no control by the tenant). Those who use bulk fuel for heating (coal, wood, fuel oil, propane, etc.) may be eligible if they have less than 25% or less of bulk fuel supply remaining. Must be a US citizen or legal alien.

Required documents

Photo I.D. Proof of household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, age 18 and older Applicants receiving disability assistance must provide payment documentation Seasonal and Self-employed households must provide 12 months of documentation If claiming zero income, must bring most recent IRS tax transcript. If someone has been financially helping household within the past 90 days, must bring a notarized, signed and dated letter from that person, detailing amount of money given Social Security Cards (mandatory) for all members of household of any age (for newborns, the application will be flagged for future correction) Proof of citizenship status for all household members (mandatory) - can use the following: Birth Certificate/Hospital Birth Records, Baptismal records (only when place and date of birth is shown), Indian Census Record, Military Service Record, U.S. Passport, Verified Citizenship for OWF Program, or Voter registration Cards An applicant who is not a citizen must provide documentation of status as a Legal Resident (Qualified Alien) Copy of current utility bill (must have account numbers for both gas and electric bills For renters, landlord information (at least 2 out of 3 of Name, Address, and Phone) and lease agreement stating utilities included, if applicable.

Hours

By appointment November 1st through March 31st: M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm.
(440) 324-2148

Voice - voice | Spanish Language

(440) 354-2148

Voice - voice | Rings Lake County Office: Spanish Language

Application process

Automated appointment line available October 29th, 2025. Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make an appointment. Individuals with disabilities or homebound older adults may send an authorized representative in their place; if an authorized representative is not available, phone to arrange an in-home application M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm. Agency must make appointment within 28 days.

Fees

Free

Service area

Geauga County, Ohio

Description

Makes a payment once per heating season to reconnect or maintain energy costs for households [Up to $175 for PUCO regulated companies, $1,200 for those who use bulk fuel - (propane or bottled gas), or $650 for coal or wood]. On same day as appointment, agency will send utility company a letter of intent to pay, which the utility company must observe as a payment. Actual payment is sent directly to the utility company within 30 days and will be reflected on bill within 60-90 days. Payment can be used to pay reconnection fees or deposits if client cannot get utilities connected at a new residence due to outstanding bills at the previous residence or poor credit. Those who have a confirmed utility assistance appointment will have their disconnection suspended to the date of the appointment (CPP will also participate in this extension of service for agency verified appointments). Note: If caller has used a "Special Reconnect Order" there will not be a disconnection hold placed on the account. Appointment confirmation will be sent to utility company within 24 hours.

Data provided by

211 Cleveland

Providing organization

Lifeline

Provides heath and human services as well as comprehensive information and referral on health and human services in Lake County. Functions as the Community Action agency for Lake County.