HEAP in Cleveland, Ohio (Cuyahoga County): Home Energy Assistance Program Guide

2026-2027 season guide: how much you can get, how to apply through Step Forward, and what to do if you have a shutoff notice.

Income limit (4-person)

$57,750/yr

Maximum benefit

$441

Season

Open (thru May ’27)

Step Forward phone

(216) 480-4327

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How Much Can I Get From HEAP in Cleveland, Ohio?

Figuring out your HEAP benefit doesn’t have to mean digging through PDFs or waiting on hold. The calculator below walks you through it in under two minutes, using the same 2026-2027 income guidelines Step Forward uses to determine eligibility for all of Cuyahoga County.

Since October 2025, Step Forward is the sole HEAP provider for Cuyahoga County — if you’ve seen older information mentioning a second agency (CHN Housing Partners), that’s no longer how energy assistance is split up here.

HEAP Eligibility Calculator

Do you qualify for HEAP?

Free eligibility calculator for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Ohio and New York. Get an estimate in seconds — no name, no Social Security number.

County / Local agency

Household size

Count everyone who lives in the household, whether or not they're on the utility bill.

Household gross monthly income

Income from ALL household members 18+ before taxes (wages, Social Security, unemployment, pension, etc.), for the last 30 days.

Primary heating source

Your fuel type changes the benefit amount.

Does any of this apply to you? (check all that apply)

Someone age 60+, with a disability, or a child under 6 lives in the householdCan increase the benefit amount and give you processing priority. You already receive SNAP, TANF/Public Assistance, or SSIIn many cases you automatically qualify for HEAP without additional income verification. You have a shutoff notice, or your heat has already been disconnectedYou may qualify for emergency assistance, which is processed much faster (18-48 hours).

Where to apply

Apply online →

This is an educational estimate, not an official determination. Your actual benefit depends on available funding, your specific utility's rates, and verification by your local agency. Base data: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 2026-2027 season (energyhelp.ohio.gov) and NY OTDA, 2025-2026 season (otda.ny.gov). Verify current figures before applying — they change every season.

2026-2027 Income Limit Table (175% of the Federal Poverty Level)

Household size	Annual limit	Monthly limit
1 person	$27,930	$2,328
2 people	$37,870	$3,156
3 people	$47,810	$3,984
4 people	$57,750	$4,812
5 people	$67,690	$5,641
6 people	$77,630	$6,469
7 people	$87,570	$7,298

Households of 8+: Ohio uses 60% of the state median income (SMI), not this table. Check with Step Forward. Source: Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, July 2026-May 2027 season (2026 HHS poverty guidelines).

How to Apply for HEAP in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)

Apply Online (energyhelp.ohio.gov)

You’ll need proof of income for the last 30 days, your most recent utility bill, and the Social Security number for each household member.

Step Forward — Sole HEAP Provider for Cuyahoga County

HEAP Hotline: (216) 480-HEAP / (216) 480-4327
Walk-in offices (Mon-Thu, 8am-12pm):
1801 Superior Avenue, Suite 400, Cleveland, OH 44114
2203 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114
Schedule online: stepforward.itfrontdesk.com

HEAP Phone Number and Provider Change

Provider change — October 2025 As of October 16, 2025, Ohio's Department of Development selected Step Forward as the sole energy assistance provider for Cuyahoga County, taking over from CHN Housing Partners for HEAP and PIPP. CHN still handles separate water-bill assistance, but no longer processes HEAP applications. If you were previously told to contact CHN for HEAP, call Step Forward instead. Source: development.ohio.gov.

Do You Have a Shutoff Notice?

This is handled as an emergency If your service has already been shut off, or you have a disconnection notice, don't wait for the regular HEAP process. Call Step Forward's 24/7 hotline at (216) 480-4327 or book a crisis appointment online -- crisis cases are prioritized.

Winter Crisis Program (November-March)

For gas/electric shutoffs, less than 25% fuel remaining in your tank, or urgent furnace repair. Same income limit as regular HEAP (175% FPG). No new applications accepted after March 31.

Summer Crisis Program (July-September)

For people age 60+, those with a certified medical condition, or an electric service shutoff in summer. Includes air conditioner repair.

Frequently Asked Questions About HEAP in Cleveland

What is the income limit for HEAP in Cleveland, Ohio?

For the 2026-2027 season, a 1-person household qualifies with up to $27,930 a year; a 4-person household, up to $57,750 a year (175% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines). See the full table above.

Who runs HEAP in Cleveland now?

Step Forward, a Community Action Agency, has been the sole HEAP and PIPP provider for all of Cuyahoga County since October 16, 2025. CHN Housing Partners no longer processes HEAP applications, though it still handles separate water-bill assistance.

How does HEAP work in Ohio?

HEAP is a one-time benefit per season (July through May) applied directly to your gas, electric, or fuel bill -- you don't receive cash, it goes straight to your provider.

What if I already receive SNAP or SSI?

You're very likely to qualify for HEAP automatically without additional income verification. Contact Step Forward with proof of your SNAP or SSI benefits on hand.