The Ohio Department of Development and the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 are once again offering assistance to help Ohio ’ s families stay cool during the hot summer months .

From July 1 through Sept . 30 , income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill , purchasing an air-conditioner or fan , or making repairs to their central air-conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development ’ s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program . The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households ; those who have a disconnection notice , have been shut off , are trying to establish new service on their electric bill or require air-conditioning ; or those with an elderly household member age 60 or older or who can provide physician

documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health . Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , asthma and others .

To qualify for assistance , Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 % of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members and 60 % of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members . For a family of four , the annual income must be at or below $ 54,600 .

Last year the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio , providing a total of $ 13.4 million in benefits .

To apply for the program , clients are required to schedule an appointment with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission . Appointments can be scheduled by calling

740-622-9801 .

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment :

— Their most recent energy bills .

— A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member .

— Proof of U . S . citizenship or legal residency for all household members .

— Proof of disability if applicable .

— Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member ’ s health if there isn ’ t a household member over the age of 60 .

Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus program who meet the above criteria also may be eligible for assistance toward their default PIPP payment , first PIPP payment and central airconditioning

repairs or may receive an air-conditioning unit and / or fan .

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and what

is needed to apply , older Ohioans may call the Area Agency on Aging Region 9 at 800-945-4250 . To be connected to your local energy-assistance provider ,

visit www . energyhelp . ohio . gov or call 800-282-0880 .

Learn more about the Ohio Department of Development at www . development . ohio . gov .