HEAP. Details on eligibility for assistance.

For Franklin County residents who may need assistance with paying their electric bill, you may qualify for assistance through Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Some are in need, but just slightly above the income guidelines.

American Electric Power created the AEP Ohio Crisis Response Fund to provide utility bill assistance to those families normally ineligible for HEAP and Percent of Income Payment Program (PIPP). There will be available funds until March 31, or until they are exhausted.

To qualify, a household must be in disconnection status with their AEP account.

Each eligible household may receive a maximum of $175. To be eligible, a household's annual income must not exceed the following guidelines:

Size of Household Total Household Income for 12 Months:

1 up to $20,800 2 up to $28,000 3 up to $35,200 4 up to $42,500 5 up to $49,600 6 up to $56,780 7 up to $64,000 8 up to $71,200

IMPACT staff will be taking applications for these funds IMMEDIATELY. To make an appointment, call IMPACT Community Action at 614-252-2799. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Applications are available at: 700 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 St. Stevens Community House, 1500 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE APPOINTMENT: Proof of total income for the last 90 days for everyone 18 years of age and older in the household. Copy of Social Security card or Social Security numbers for everyone over two years old. Birth certificate of applicant. Photo ID Current electric bill.

If the service is off or being transferred, a copy of the applicant's lease is required