By 1808Delaware
To quote Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming.” Heating bills are beginning to climb, and residents of Delaware and Franklin Counties who are struggling to keep their homes warm may qualify for emergency financial assistance through Ohio’s Winter Crisis Program.
The 2026–2027 program began November 1 and continues through March 31, 2027, offering a one-time benefit to income-eligible households facing utility disconnections, interruptions in service, or shortages of heating fuel. The program is administered locally by Bridges Community Action Partnership in Delaware County and IMPACT Community Action in Franklin County. Both organizations help residents access assistance through Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Who Can Qualify For Assistance?
The Winter Crisis Program is designed for households experiencing an immediate heating or electric service emergency and who meet financial guidelines. Eligible situations include households whose utilities have been disconnected or are facing disconnection, those needing to establish or transfer service, and residents whose bulk heating fuel supply has dropped to 25% or less. Homeowners may also qualify for assistance with heating system repairs.
Both renters and homeowners can apply. Household income generally must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, with eligibility determined using income information from the previous 30 days or 12 months.
For the 2026–2027 heating season, 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 |
| 7 people | $87,570 |
Different income guidelines apply to households with eight or more members.
Assistance Available Across Central Ohio
The program provides benefits directly toward eligible heating or electric expenses, helping households maintain or restore essential utility service. Depending on the utility provider and type of heating system, assistance may cover a portion of a past-due bill, reconnect service, or help replenish propane, fuel oil, wood, or other heating supplies.
For customers of regulated natural gas and electric utilities, the maximum crisis benefit is generally $175. Higher benefits may be available for households served by municipal utilities or cooperatives, those using bulk heating fuels, and eligible homeowners requiring heating equipment repairs.
The program assisted more than 73,000 Ohio households last winter, providing approximately $25.5 million in benefits statewide. Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel+1
Where To Apply In Delaware And Franklin Counties
Residents must work with the community action agency serving their county to complete the Winter Crisis application process.
Delaware County
Bridges Community Action Partnership administers the program for Delaware County residents. The agency’s Delaware office is located at 555 Sunbury Road in Delaware and can be reached at 740-369-3184. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the office closed on Fridays.
Residents can find additional information about eligibility, required documents, and appointments through the Bridges Winter Crisis Program webpage.
Franklin County
IMPACT Community Action serves Franklin County residents through its energy assistance programs. The agency is located at 711 Southwood Avenue in Columbus and can be reached at 614-252-2799. Appointments may be scheduled through IMPACT’s online appointment system.
The agency makes appointments available up to one month in advance, with additional next-business-day appointments released daily at 10:00 AM. Applicants are advised to arrive on time and upload required documentation in advance when possible.
Preparing For An Appointment
Take note of something very important — residents applying for emergency assistance should gather documentation before their scheduled appointment. Required information generally includes recent gas and electric bills, any disconnection notices, proof of household income, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for household members, and documentation of citizenship or legal residency. Additional information may be necessary depending on individual circumstances, including proof of disability or landlord contact information.
Residents facing an imminent utility disconnection should contact their local provider promptly. Missing an appointment could jeopardize any temporary protection against disconnection, and rescheduling does not necessarily extend a utility hold. Applications may also be started through Ohio’s statewide energy assistance website at energyhelp.ohio.gov, although a local agency appointment is required to complete the Winter Crisis process.
For central Ohio families facing a difficult heating season, the program offers a measure of financial relief when keeping the lights and heat on becomes a pressing concern
