UtilitiesTuesday, November 3
Winter Crisis Program is open for heating-bill help through March 31, 2027
The Daily Akron team
If you're staring down a heating bill you can't cover, help is open. Ohio's Winter Crisis Program reopened Nov. 1, and the Community Action Council of Portage County started its program Nov. 2. It gives one-time help to eligible households facing a disconnection, already disconnected, or needing to start or transfer service.
Winter Crisis help runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2027
- Nov. 1Ohio's Winter Crisis Program opens for eligible households.
- Nov. 2Portage County's Community Action Council starts its program.
- March 2027Last day Winter Crisis assistance is available.
Sources: KentStater, spectrumnews1.com
To qualify, gross annual income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says that's $57,750 for a family of four.
$57,750gross annual income limit for a family of four
That's 175% of the federal poverty level, per the state.
Source: spectrumnews1.com
Demand is already up in Portage County. Heating assistance coordinator Tina Strausser said appointments are booked three weeks out, with calls coming in since September.
- Portage appointments: 234-703-4303 or app.capappointments.com
- Same-day emergency slots: limited, Monday through Thursday
- Bring: recent energy bills, household list, income proof
- Last winter in Portage County: 1,100+ households, about $336,000
Sources: spectrumnews1.com, KentStater