Lorain County residents can seek relief from the heat through the Summer Crisis Program beginning July 1.

Appointments are required for this program and can be made beginning June 17 by clicking here.

The annual program provides eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($57, 750 for a family of four in 2026).

Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• At least one household member is age 60 or over.
• A household member has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat.
• Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.
• They are trying to establish new service or transfer service.

Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $500 in assistance. Customers of unregulated utilities can receive up to $800. Eligible clients can also receive up to $1,500 for central air conditioning repairs.

Residents who have not received an air conditioner from LCCAA in the last three years can request a unit. Electric fans will also be distributed. Residents who have received air conditioners in the past three years may be eligible for a fan. Distribution of air conditioners and fans will be subject to availability.

Appointments are required for this emergency program. All appointments must be made online and will be conducted over the phone. Make your appointment by going to our website: https://www.lccaa.net/programs/energyservices/summer_crisis.

Applications can be started online via the state portal which now requires an OHID. Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov and click “Log in to the EA Portal.” Click “Create an OHID” and follow the six-step account creation process. Setting up multi-factor authentication with your OHID is recommended for security purposes.

Limited in-person services are offered at three locations in the county. Seniors only can walk in at the Lorain County Office on Aging (LCOOA) at 534 Abbe Road South in Elyria Monday through Friday. The office is open from 8 to 11 a.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Those 60 and over who are not comfortable making an online appointment may walk in during those hours.

Appointments are available at the LCOOA office in Wellington at 105 Maple St., on Fridays between 8 and 11 a.m. and between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Call 440-731-2640 to make an appointment at this office.

Appointments are also available at El Centro, 2800 Pearl Ave., Lorain on Fridays between 8 and 11 a.m. and between 1 and 3:30 p.m. Call 440-752-2051 to make an appointment at the El Centro.

Secure drop boxes are available at all locations for required documents.

Required documentation includes:

• Income information for all household members 18 years of age or older for the last 30 days;
• Any member reporting “no income” must complete a no income form and additional documentation may be requested;
• Proof of citizenship for all household members;
• Most recent electric and gas bills;
• Proof of medical condition if applicable (documentation signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse practitioner).

For a complete list of countable income, please visit our website. The program will run through Sept. 30 this year.

Additional information may be required. Please visit www.lccaa.net or call 440-245-1870 during business hours if you have questions.