Mahoning Valley households within income limits can get winter heating assistance and energy-efficiency help through Ohio Department of Job and Family Services programs, with the application period set to open Nov. 1, 2026, and close March 31, 2027.
The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) targets residents facing a utility disconnection, trying to start service, or paying to transfer service. Gross household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, which the outlet put at roughly $57,750 for a family of four.
Trumbull County applicants go through the Trumbull Community Action Program, which requires an appointment booked at 330-951-0015. A release cited by the outlet says same-day slots can be requested at 7 a.m. by calling 330-393-2507 Ext. 225 and remaining on the line; callers are told not to leave a voicemail. Columbiana and Mahoning County residents may apply online or through their local energy assistance provider under the same income rules. In Mahoning County, that provider is the Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Plan at (330)778-2992.
Appointments require copies documenting each household member and income from the prior 30 days, citizenship or legal residency status for everyone in the home, and disability documentation where it applies.
According to a release, households served by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that still carry a balance after receiving aid must enroll in PIPP+ or another payment plan. PIPP+ sets payments as a percentage of household income.
A separate program, the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, is open to owners and occupants earning at or below 200% of the poverty level. The outlet reported it assisted more than 73,000 households last year.