As Old Man Winter and colder weather approaches, households across Crawford, Marion, and Morrow Counties facing difficulty paying their heating or electric bills will soon have another source of assistance.
The Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (OHCAC) began accepting participants in the 2026–2027 Winter Crisis Program on November 1. The program, which continues through March 31, 2027, provides emergency utility assistance to income-eligible Ohio households struggling to maintain essential services during the winter months.
Helping Residents Keep The Heat On
The Winter Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit during each heating season to qualifying households experiencing a heating or electric emergency. Assistance is available to residents whose primary heating or related electric service has been disconnected, is facing disconnection, or needs to be established or transferred. Households using bulk heating fuels may qualify if their remaining supply is 25% or less. Homeowners who need heating system repairs may also be eligible for assistance.
Eligibility is based on household income, with limits set at 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. For the 2026–2027 season, the annual income limits include:
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $27,930 |
| 2 people | $37,870 |
| 3 people | $47,810 |
| 4 people | $57,750 |
| 5 people | $67,690 |
| 6 people | $77,630 |
Larger households may qualify under additional income guidelines. Eligibility can also be determined using income received during the previous 30 days.
Appointments And Utility Holds
Residents who believe they qualify should schedule an appointment by calling 740-396-8237 or visiting app.capappointments.com. Appointments are available either in person or by telephone, depending on the applicant’s preference.
OHCAC is emphasizing an important restriction concerning utility disconnection holds this season. Customers are eligible for only one utility appointment hold during the 2026–2027 Winter Crisis Program. If an applicant misses a scheduled appointment and reschedules through the automated telephone system or online portal, the original utility hold will not be extended. As a result, utility service could be disconnected before the rescheduled appointment takes place.
Residents are encouraged to schedule promptly and keep their appointments, particularly when facing an imminent disconnection. OHCAC also cautions that telephone call volumes are frequently high at the beginning of the program season.
Local Assistance Available In Three Counties
Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission administers several energy assistance programs throughout Crawford, Marion, and Morrow Counties, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Winter Crisis Program, Summer Crisis Program, and Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus).
Residents seeking information or assistance may contact their local county office:
- Crawford County: 124 Buehler Street, Galion. Telephone: 419-468-5121.
- Marion County: 1183 Bellefontaine Avenue, Marion. Telephone: 740-383-2154.
- Morrow County: 28 West High Street, Mount Gilead. Telephone: 419-946-2009.
Although the program begins November 1, OHCAC offices will be closed November 11 in observance of Veterans Day and November 26–27 for Thanksgiving.
For households confronting rising winter utility expenses or the possibility of losing heat or electricity, the program offers an opportunity to obtain emergency assistance before the coldest months arrive.
Appointments can be scheduled at 740-396-8237 or online at app.capappointments.com.
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