STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Department of Development and the Jefferson County Community Action Council will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs through Sept. 30.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with the Jefferson County Community Action Council Appointments can be scheduled by calling (740) 996-9061.

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

• Copies of 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 older than 60.)

The program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill, or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance.

For information about the program and what is needed to apply, contact the Jefferson County CAC at (740) 282-0971, extension 200. To be connected to your local energy assistance provider, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.