Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Ohio
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Ohio? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Got a shutoff notice or already shut off? Use the Special Reconnect Order: pay no more than $175 (plus up to $36 to reconnect) and set up a payment plan. Call your utility. Open October 12, 2026 to April 16, 2027.
- Apply for HEAP and ask about PIPP Plus at energyhelp.ohio.gov or your local community action agency.
- Starting November 1, the Winter Crisis Program can pay the $175 for you if you qualify.
Help with electric and gas bills
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
A credit on your main heating bill, applied starting in January. Apply July 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. Income limit: 175% of federal guidelines (for example, $27,930 a year for 1 person, $57,750 for 4). Processing can take up to 12 weeks, so apply early.
Winter Crisis Program
Runs November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 for households that are shut off, have a shutoff notice, or are low on bulk fuel. Up to $175 for PUCO-regulated gas and electric customers, $750 for co-op and city utility customers, $1,200 for propane, kerosene or fuel oil. Same income limit as HEAP. Finish your application with a local agency.
PIPP Plus (pay a share of your income)
Pay 5% of your monthly income for gas and 5% for electric (10% if your home is all-electric), with a $10 minimum. Each on-time payment knocks 1/24 off your old balance. Same income limit as HEAP. Apply any time of year.
Got a shutoff notice?
Use the Special Reconnect Order once per winter (October 12, 2026 to April 16, 2027): pay up to $175 plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36, and the utility sets up a payment plan for the rest. There's no income test for the order itself. If you're at or under 175% of federal income guidelines, the Winter Crisis Program can help pay the $175. If your utility won't work with you, contact the PUCO. For free advice, call the Ohio Consumers' Counsel.
If your utility won't help: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
Behind on rent
Ohio does not have one statewide rent program open right now. Dial 2-1-1 for emergency rent help in your county, and ask your local community action agency (the same office that handles HEAP).
Food, health care and phone
SNAP (food), Medicaid (health) and cash help
Apply online through the state's benefits site.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Free help with utility questions: 1-877-742-5622.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- PUCO: Special Reconnect Order 2026–27 (VW Independent, Oct. 1, 2026)
- OCC: HEAP
- OCC: Winter Crisis Program
- OCC: PIPP Plus
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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