Summer Cooling Program/Summer Heap/Summer Crisis Program (SCP) | Step Forward
Provides payments on electric bills, air conditioners (window unit), fans, and/or repairs to central air conditioner systems during the summer months. ELECTRIC UTILITY ASSISTANCE: Customers of regulated utility companies can receive a maximum of $500 in assistance; customers of unregulated utility companies (cooperatives or municipal utilities such as Cleveland Public Power) can receive up to a maximum of $800 in allowable benefits. Customers may receive payment for one of the following: current electric bill, utility account deposit, transfer of service, disconnect fees or can be used to re-establish service. Can be used for first PIPP Plus payment. Utility company is not required to delay disconnection of customer's account when an appointment for this program is scheduled. For Summer Crisis, if more than $500 is owed to the Illuminating Company a copayment will be required - will need to cover the remaining balance. For CPP if more than $800 is owed the customer will be required to go on a payment plan. INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND COMFORT ASSISTANCE (separate benefit): May receive central air conditioner repair (up to $1500). The prices of fans and air conditioners will vary, but agency is limited to paying no more than $525 toward AC Unit, $550 for casement or portable air-conditioner units and no more than $150 toward each fan (limit of two). Can receive 1 AC unit and 2 fans.
Data provided by
211 Cleveland
Physical Address
4834 Richmond Rd., Warrensville Hts., OH 44128
Hours
Program is active July 1st through September 30th. Automated appointment line: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online appointment scheduler: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Appointments are M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm. NO WALK-IN APPOINTMENTS.
Fax
(216) 263-6281
Voice
Application process
Phone the HEAP Information Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for program information and to make an appointment - select option 8 to be transferred to the appointment line, select 0 to connect to a live agent M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm. New appointments open M-F at 8:00am. May also make an appointment online (may be the easiest and fastest method). Appointment will be made within 28 days. NO WALK-IN APPOINTMENTS. MEDICAL FORMS: can be found on the website. Callers who only want an air conditioner and do not need help with the electric bill still need to make a Crisis appointment. Clients wanting central air conditioner repairs must arrange an evaluation with a vendor before program can assist. HOMEBOUND APPOINTMENTS: Phone the HEAP Hotline M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm. Complaints: Visit www.stepforwardtoday.org and go to Contact, at the bottom of the page then click on - "To share your feedback, please click here to complete the form." Once the form is open caller will want to select Energy Assistance Services and complete it. May also send a date stamped, signed, written appeal letter to the following address: Office of Community Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program, P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, OH 43216.
Fee
Free
Eligibility
ELECTRIC UTILITY ASSISTANCE: Serves Cuyahoga County households with an income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households whose electricity has been disconnected, are in threat of disconnection, or are establishing new service. Households with a household member who is age 60 and older or with a documented medical condition do not need a disconnection notice. Tenants who rent from private landlords (i.e., not residing in HUD Section 8 Housing) where the bill is in the landlord's name are eligible for benefits if the applicant (i.e., renter) is responsible for (paying) the bill. Can only receive assistance one time per season. INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND COMFORT ASSISTANCE: Serves Cuyahoga County households with an income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households with a household member who is age 60 and older or a household member with a documented medical condition (will need a Summer Crisis medical form). Can only receive A/C or fan once in a three-year period. Can only receive A/C or fan once in a three-year period. THOSE ON PIPP: Can help those enrolling in PIPP for the first time and those with a PIPP default. Those who are current with their PIPP installments may receive central air conditioning repairs or an air conditioner and/or fan ONLY if they have not received one in the past three program years and are medically or age eligible. HOMEBOUND APPOINTMENTS: Must have a disability with medical certification.
Service area
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Agency info
Step Forward
Assists low-income County residents to improve their situations through job readiness, training and placement, rent and utility assistance, various social services, Head Start programs, and information/referral.