Summer Crisis Program Coming July 1

posted 6/4/21 -- Lorain County Community Action Agency’s Summer Crisis Program begins July 1 with expanded eligibility, additional services and a longer crisis period. The program’s expansion is very similar to the summer of 2020.

Summer Crisis offers help staying cool for low-income residents who also meet one of the other eligibility requirements. The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($46,375 for a family of four in 2020).

Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they are also age 60 or over OR have a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat. Additionally this year, residents at the 175% poverty level can also receive help if one of the following applies to them:

• Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice.
• They are trying to establish new service.
• They have been diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020.
• They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time.
• They are an existing PIPP customer in default.

Benefits remain at last year’s expanded levels. Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $500 in assistance (up from $300). Customers of unregulated utilities can receive up to $800 (up from $500).

Residents who have not received an air conditioner from LCCAA in the last three years can request a unit. The cost of the unit will be deducted from the amount of assistance they receive. The remainder can be applied to their energy bill if needed.

Electric box fans will also be distributed. Residents who have received air conditioners in the past three years may be eligible for a fan. Both fans and air conditioning units will be subject to availability.

Customers may also request repairs to their central air conditioning units up to $500.

Appointments are REQUIRED for this emergency program. Appointments can be made beginning June 17 by going online to capappointments.com. 

Most appointments will be conducted over the phone with no contact. LCCAA is also partnering with the Lorain County Area Agency on Aging to serve seniors in person at their office in Elyria.

The program will again run through Sept. 30.