COLUMBUS — Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, has announced that funding to assist eligible households with summer cooling costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program is available beginning on July 1 through August 31.

“The Summer Crisis Program is a critical resource for residents who need help staying cool during extreme temperatures,” said Patt-McDaniel. “As summer approaches, our local community action agencies across the state are helping to ensure that eligible Ohioans can take advantage of this program and get the assistance they need.”

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program, administered by the Department’s Community Development Division, provides assistance to low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. These households are eligible for electric bill payment assistance up to $175. Residents are encouraged to work with their local community action, job and family services, and faith-based organizations for additional assistance.

To date, the Ohio Department of Development has assisted more than 390,000 Ohio families during the 2008-2009 winter heating season. The gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175 percent of the 2009 federal poverty guidelines listed below:

Size of

Household - Income

1 - up to $18,952.50

2 - up to $25,497.50

3 - up to $32,042.50

4 - up to $38,587.50

5 - up to $45,132.50

6 - up to $51,677.50

7 - up to $58,222.50

8 - up to $64,767.50

For households with more than eight members, add $6,545 for each additional member.

For more information, call the toll-free HEAP hotline at 1-800-282-0880. The hearing impaired may dial 1-800-686-1557 for assistance.