Butler County’s winter heating aid program helping hundreds already this season

Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) has served 564 households from Nov. 1-Dec. 19 through HEAP, said Rachel Sheets, community relations coordinator. Winter HEAP ends March 31, 2020.

She said HEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible Ohioans who are at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines meet the costs of home heating. HEAP allows eligible households a one-time payment per winter season for electric or gas utilities, non-regulated utilities, fuel oil or propane, and for fire wood to restore, maintain, or establish home heating service, she said.

Sheets said people should make an appointment as soon as they receive a disconnection notice. Call 513-868-9300 or 1-888-432-7022. Clients are urged to call SELF to schedule an appointment Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. SELF sees a limited number of walk-in customers each Wednesday; walk-ins are not guaranteed to be seen.

In order to receive help, Butler County residents must bring the following documents — in paper form — to their appointments:

• Picture I.D. and proof of citizenship for all household members

• Proof of all household income for the last 30 days or 12 months

• Social Security cards or legal documentation for all household members

• Disconnect notice or current utility or bulk fuel bill (with less than 10 days’ supply) in household member’s name

• Applicant must also bring both primary and electric heating bills regardless of account status

• Proof of disability, if applicable

• City of Hamilton utility customers or other unregulated utility customers must bring arrangement form and copayment receipt

SELF also accepts applications for weatherization intake services to help lower energy bills for low-income households for both renters and homeowners year-round. If approved, the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership provides the weatherization services.

Sheets said appointments for HEAP are strongly encouraged to reduce wait times and can be made by calling 513-868-9300, option 1. Appointments are scheduled at SELF’s Hamilton office at the Hamilton Crossings Shopping Center on Ohio 4 and at the agency’s Middletown office, 930 9th Avenue.