While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Ohio LIHEAP FAQ Sheet

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)

Table of Contents 

What Is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Ohio, LIHEAP is administered by the Development Services Agency. 

Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.

What Does LIHEAP Cover in Ohio?

The Ohio Development Services Agency oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:

  • Past-due utility bills
  • Deliverable fuel
  • Disconnection/reconnection fees
  • Repairs and replacements of worn parts on heating units
  • Home weatherization

For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Ohio, see the Ohio state LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.

Ohio’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses.

About LIHEAP Crisis Assistance

LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.

If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.

The state of Ohio defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:

  • Has no more than 2 days (48 hours) of bulk fuel left,
  • Is in danger of having their utilities disconnected, or
  • Has already had their utilities disconnected by their service provider

A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:

  • A member of the household is a medical or health risk because of the energy loss,
  • A member of the household has a condition that requires the use of a medical device/medication that requires energy OR
  • A household has no more than 18 hours of bulk fuel remaining during winter when heating is required.

For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $1,200 in winter and $800 in summer.

How Much Assistance Does LIHEAP Provide in Ohio?

To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Ohio Development Services Agency will consider:

  1. Your household size and income for the month prior to your application
  2. The fuel type you need (electricity, propane, natural gas, or heating oil)

Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.

As of 2025, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Ohio is $811 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $41.

How to Qualify for LIHEAP in Ohio

To qualify for LIHEAP in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of the state
  • All household members must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
  • Have an out-of-pocket energy expense from an account opened in the name of the head of the household or their spouse
  • Have an annual income that is less than the LIHEAP income limit for your household size, which is no more than 175 percent of the established Federal Poverty Level. To view the annual income limits, click here.

If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Ohio

Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from October 1****st until May 31****st each year. Winter Crisis applications are accepted from November 1st until March 31st, and Summer Crisis submissions are from July 1st until September 30th. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.

To apply for LIHEAP in Ohio, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

  2. Submit the LIHEAP application and other required documents****.

What You Will Need to Apply

When applying for Ohio LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:

  • Personal and financial information about yourself and the members of your household
  • Details about your home and its heating

The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:

  • Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency for all household members
  • A copy of your most recent utility bill
  • Income verification (pay stubs)

How to Check Your Application Status

You can call the Energy Assistance Provider office where you applied directly to check your application status.

What Happens After You Apply for LIHEAP in Ohio?

The Ohio Development Services Agency will notify you after your application has been processed if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Ohio Development Services Agency at (800) 848-1300.

Need More Help?

You can also callthe Ohio Development Services Agency at (800) 848-1300.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.

Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Last Updated: June 2025

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