Summer Crisis Program

Program Overview

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program offers a one-time benefit to eligible Hamilton County residents, providing cooling assistance during the summer months. For 2025, the program runs from July 1 to September 30.

The focus of the Summer Crisis Program (SCP) is to assist in qualifying applicants with: electric utility bills (up to $500), a payment, or the purchase of an air conditioning unit and/or fan (if you have not received an air conditioner or fan within the last three years) or combination benefit. 

Who is eligible for the Summer Crisis Program?

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to eight members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $56,262.50. Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.4 million in benefits

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment through the State of Ohio. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 513-685-4478 or visiting the website at app.capappointments.com. Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of their most recent energy bills.

• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member. 

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members. • Proof of disability (if applicable). 

• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, contact the State of Ohio at 513-685-4478 to schedule an appointment. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance Provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.

2025 FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES (175% for SCP)

*For households with more than eight members, add $8,260 for each individual.

How do I apply for the Summer Crisis Program?

CALL THE STATE'S APPOINTMENT HOTLINE OR APPLY ONLINE: 

Please take note of our adjusted hours: To receive an appointment between the hours of 1 pm - 2:30 pm EST, please contact our offices Monday - Thursday between the hours of 9 am - 11 am.

For Same Day Appointment:
Call (513) 685-4478, select option #2, or visit app.capappointments.com 

For a 28-day appointment: 
Call (513) 685-4478, select option #1, or visit app.capappointments.com

For Senior Citizens (Ages 60+):
Call (513) 685-4478, select option #3  

You may also begin your application online at energyhelp.ohio.gov, but please note that you will need to set up an appointment with our HEAP department in order to complete your application.

Documentation needed to apply for services:

When you apply, you will need to complete the Energy Assistance Application (English or Spanish) and submit copies of the following documents:

• Valid Picture ID for Applicant cannot be expired (Includes all individuals listed on the utility bill and those applying on the applicant’s behalf. A Current notarized letter is also required for individuals applying on the applicant’s behalf.
   
• Current Duke Energy Utility Bill (actual bill only, no door hangers) 
   
• Social Security Cards for all household members (must have the actual Social Security card). Additional documentation will be required for proof of U.S. Citizenship if missing actual social security cards.
   
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship for all household members‐ Birth Certificate, Baptismal records (must show place and date), U. S. Passport, Voter registration card, Military Service Record, Verified Citizenship for OWF Program, Indian Census Record.
• Proof of Legal Resident/Qualified Alien‐ Naturalization Papers/ Certification of Citizenship, INS ID Card, Alien Registration Cards/ Re‐entry permits, Permanent Visa, INS Form.
• Proof of Income for the entire household for the past 30 days for all income types, except Self-employment and Seasonal income. Self-employed and seasonal households must provide 12 months of documents.
   
• Reporting Zero income: If another person or organization is financially supporting you, please provide a statement from the income source detailing how your bills are paid (rent, food, utility, etc.). Also, please specify any cash amount(s) and the frequency of assistance. The statement must include the provider’s name, address, and phone number. If applicable, you must provide a current Subsidized housing HAP Contract Cover Letter/ Annual Lease Addendum, Rental Lease, and Food Stamp printout. Please know that further documentation may be requested, such as “Wage and Income Transcript for all household members for all household member over 18 years of age.

All documentation is required each time you apply for services. Failure to submit required documentation could delay processing times.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Examples of Accepted Income

Please note: The examples below are intended to represent typical income sources and are not inclusive of all income documentation that may be required. If you have questions regarding income documentation, please contact our HEAP customer care department prior to being seen for services.

• Employment Wages: Last two (2) check stubs for monthly wages.  Last three (3) check stubs for bi-weekly wages. Last Five (5) check stubs for weekly wages or Employment Verification Form from employer showing GROSS income for the last 30 days
• TANF, DA:  Current Award Letter
• Utility Allowances: Subsidized Housing HAP Contract Cover Letter/ Annual Lease Addendum
• Social Security, SSI & SSDI: Current Award Letter
• Pension, Veterans, Retirement: Current Award Letter
• Unemployment, Employment Disability, Workers Compensation, Child Support: Last pay stubs if paid monthly, (3) stubs if paid bi-weekly and (5) stubs if paid weekly or Award Letter showing benefit amount and time period
• Self-employment- Self-employment form for the previous 12 months and most recent filed IRS 1040 and Schedules submitted to the IRS.
• Seasonal Worker: Past 12 month’s income from the date of the application.