The Ohio Utility Assistance Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, provides assistance to eligible customers of select utility companies in Ohio. Customers may be eligible to receive a grant that is applied directly to their bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Open from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, for service that is off or in threat of termination.
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Applicants must have paid at least $100 on their account in the previous 90 days.
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $100.
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $300 per utility ($600 maximum if a grant is received for both gas and electric service).
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility every 12 months.
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Total gross household income must be between 175% +$1 and 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size | Monthly (households from 175% + $1 up to 250% Federal Poverty Level – FPL) | Yearly (households from 175% + $1 up to 250% Federal Poverty Level – FPL) |
1 | $2,197 to $3,138 | $26,356 to $37,650 |
2 | $2,982 to $4,258 | $35,771 to $51,100 |
3 | $3,766 to $5,379 | $45,186 to $64,550 |
4 | $4,551 to $6,500 | $54,601 to $78,000 |
5 | $5,336 to $7,621 | $64,016 to $91,450 |
6 | $6,120 to $8,742 | $73,431 to $104,900 |
7 | $6,905 to $9,863 | $82,846 to $118,350 |
8 | $7,689 to $10,983 | $92,261 to $131,800 |
Each add’l add | $786 to $1,121 | $9,416 to $13,450 |
The best way to start seeking help is by calling your utility company. They will provide you with information on a number of different assistance programs that are available to help low-income utility customers.
Dollar Energy also partners with a network of Community Based Organizations throughout the state. These dedicated agencies provide application intake services for clients. Find an agency in your area with Dollar Energy Fund’s Agency Finder.
The best way to start seeking help is by calling your utility company. They will provide you with information on a number of different assistance programs that are available to help low-income utility customers.
Dollar Energy also partners with a network of Community Based Organizations throughout the state. These dedicated agencies provide application intake services for clients. Find an agency in your area with Dollar Energy Fund’s Agency Finder.