HEAP in Columbus, Ohio: Home Energy Assistance Program Guide

2025-2026 season guide: how much you can get, how to apply in Franklin County, and what to do if you have a shutoff notice.

Income limit (4-person)

$56,263/yr

Maximum benefit

$441

Applications open

July 1

Statewide phone

1-800-282-0880

How Much Can I Get From HEAP in Ohio?

Figuring out your HEAP benefit doesn’t have to mean digging through PDFs or waiting on hold with a state hotline. The calculator below walks you through it in under two minutes, using the same 2025-2026 income guidelines Franklin County caseworkers use to determine eligibility.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing for this season, you’ll get an instant estimate of your benefit amount and be pointed to the right local agency — The Breathing Association or IMPACT Community Action — based on your household.

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 Development / Ohio JFS, 2025-2026 season (energyhelp.ohio.gov) and NY OTDA (otda.ny.gov). Verify current figures before applying — they change every season.

2025-2026 Income Limit Table (175% of the Federal Poverty Level)

Household size	Annual limit	Monthly limit
1 person	$27,387.50	$2,282.29
2 people	$37,012.50	$3,084.38
3 people	$46,637.50	$3,886.46
4 people	$56,262.50	$4,688.54
5 people	$65,887.50	$5,490.63
6 people	$75,512.50	$6,292.71
7 people	$85,137.50	$7,094.79
8 people	$94,762.50	$7,896.88

Households of 9+: Ohio uses 60% of the state median income (SMI), not this table. Check with your local agency. Source: Ohio Dept. of Development / JFS, July 2025-May 2026 season.

How to Apply for HEAP in Columbus

Apply Online (energyhelp.ohio.gov)

The fastest way: apply directly through the state portal. 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.

Local Agencies in Franklin County

The Breathing Association

741 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43205
HEAP line: (614) 566-0750
Main office: (614) 457-4570

IMPACT Community Action

Serves all of Franklin County
Appointments / Emergency: (614) 252-2799
Also administers Weatherization (HWAP)

HEAP Phone Number and Appointments

Statewide line to find your local provider: 1-800-282-0880 (TDD: 1-800-686-1557). This number connects you with Breathing Association or IMPACT depending on availability.

Notice: HEAP Is Now Run by Ohio JFS, Not Development

Administration change — July 2026 As of July 1, 2026, HEAP moved from the Ohio Department of Development to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (JFS). If you were already receiving benefits, there's no interruption or change to the application process — only which state agency runs it changed. 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 your local agency right away and ask for the Winter Crisis Program (or Summer Crisis in summer) — it's processed in 18-48 hours.

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).

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 Columbus

What is the income limit for HEAP in Ohio?

For the 2025-2026 season, a 1-person household qualifies with up to $27,387.50 a year; a 4-person household, up to $56,262.50 a year (175% of the federal poverty level). See the full table above.

How does HEAP work in Ohio?

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

Is HEAP in Columbus the same as the rest of Ohio?

Yes, the income rules and benefit range ($24-$441) are statewide. What changes by city is which local agency processes your application — in Columbus/Franklin County, that's The Breathing Association and IMPACT Community Action.

What if I already receive SNAP or SSI?

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