Winter Crisis Program November 2026
Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency
740-444-4400
heap@galliameigscaa.org
More than 73,000 Ohio households received help last year
Gallia-Meigs CAA and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) want to help ease the burden of costly energy bills this winter and keep Ohio families warm. Beginning Nov. 1, income-eligible Ohioans can receive one-time help with their home heating bill through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (WCP). The program runs from November 1st, 2026 through March 31st, 2027.
WCP assists Ohioans who are facing service disconnection, have already been disconnected, need to establish new service, or must pay to transfer service. It also supports households with 25 percent or less of bulk fuel in their tank so they can maintain service.
To qualify, a household must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that is $57,750.
Last year, WCP helped more than 73,000 Ohio households, providing $25.5 million in benefits.
To apply, residents of Gallia and Meigs Counties must schedule an appointment with Gallia-Meigs CAA. Appointments can be scheduled by calling our IVR phone appointment system at 740-737-8696.Appointment must have a confirmation number which the system will give you at the end of the conversation. Our agency will be having appointments by phone only and all documentation must be turned into our office before your appointment. We do have papers that will need signatures and also forms for employment if needed. Make sure that you have all documentations, if you are missing anything required, this could delay the process of your application. Our hours for dropping off documentations are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-11:am and 12:30pm-3:30pm. We do have a drop box outside our front door that you can drop off after hours. Ohioans can also start an application online and find their local energy assistance provider at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
However, if you are applying on line, you cannot apply for our Winter Crisis Program. Only PIPP and Regular Heap can be processed through on line applications.
Applicants should bring copies of the following to their appointment:
- Their most recent energy bills. Both gas and electric.
- A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for each member
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (ss cards/birth certificates), for all household members
- Proof of disability, if applicable
Households served by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another payment plan if an outstanding balance remains on the utility bill after receiving assistance.