Hardship Program (Ohio)

Hardship Program (Ohio) is sponsored by Various Utility Companies (Ohio). This program assists individuals whose service is disconnected or at risk of disconnection. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 250% of federal income guidelines and a minimum payment made in the past three months.

Ohio Utility Assistance Program - Dollar Energy Fund Ohio Utility Assistance Program 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, 2025, through September 30, 2026, 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. Sincere Effort of Payment 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. Customers on Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) are not eligible for assistance. 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 $2,329 to $3,325 $27,931 to $39,900 2 $3,157 to $4,508 $37,871 to $54,100 3 $3,985 to $5,692 $47,811 to $68,300 4 $4,814 to $6,875 $57,751 to $82,500 5 $5,642 to $8,058 $67,691 to $96,700 6 $6,470 to $9,242 $77,631 to $110,900 7 $7,299 to $10,425 $87,571 to $125,100 8 $8,127 to $11,608 $97,511 to $139,300 Each add’l add $829 to $1,183 $9,941 to $14,200 Eligible customers may be able to complete portions of their application through Dollar Energy Fund’s online MyApp portal .

Eligible customers may be able to complete portions of their application through Dollar Energy Fund’s online MyApp portal .