Is your electric bill way too high this summer? You’re not alone. Many Ohio families struggle to keep the AC running when it’s hot outside.
The good news? Ohio has a program just for this. It’s called the Summer Crisis Program (SCP). It can help pay your electric bill. It can even help fix or replace your air conditioner.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Summer Crisis Program?
The Summer Crisis Program is a federally funded benefit. Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services runs it. You may have also heard it called “Summer HEAP.”
This program helps eligible households pay their electric bills during the hottest months. It can also cover:
- Repairs to a central air conditioning unit
- The purchase of a window air conditioner
- Fans (if you don’t already have AC)
You can get help with your bill and with equipment (like a fan or AC unit) once each cooling season.
The program runs from July 1 through September 30, 2026. If your household qualifies, don’t wait. Funding can run out before the deadline.
Who Is Eligible?
You’ll need to meet two kinds of requirements: an income limit and at least one other condition.
Income limit: Your household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. This limit changes based on how many people live in your home. If you want to see the exact dollar amounts for your household size, check our Federal Poverty Level guide.
Plus, one of these:
- Someone in your home is 60 or older. You won’t need any medical paperwork for this one.
- A household member has a documented medical condition. A doctor or other qualified provider has to confirm it.
- Your utility is about to be shut off, has already been shut off, or you’re setting up new service.
You only need to meet one of these three. You don’t need all of them.
How Much Money Can I Get?
The amount depends on who supplies your electricity.
- If your utility is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), you can get up to $500.
- If your utility is a municipal or cooperative provider (not regulated by PUCO), you can get up to $800.
If your bill is higher than the maximum benefit and you’re facing a shutoff, you’ll need to make a co-payment to cover the rest.
One more thing to know: if you get PIPP Plus (Ohio’s income-based payment plan), this program won’t cover a PIPP Plus default or your very first PIPP Plus payment.
How Do I Apply?
You apply online through the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services. If you don’t want to apply online, you can also make an appointment or apply through the mail.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to have your proof of income, proof of Ohio residency, and a recent copy of your utility bill ready. This will speed things up.
Relief Recap
Summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous, especially for seniors and people with health conditions. That’s exactly why this program exists. If you think you might qualify, don’t sit on it. Call your local agency today and get your name on the list. For more ways to save on your Ohio bills, check out our full Ohio resource page.
