Energy Services Staff Stationed at Office on Aging

posted 6/25/21 -- Ohio’s Summer Crisis Program has traditionally been aimed at helping seniors who can be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Although eligibility for the program has expanded due to COVID-19, LCCAA wants to make sure Lorain County seniors have easy access to the program. LCCAA has partnered with the Lorain County Office on Aging and an Energy Services staff member will be stationed at LCOA’s Elyria office this summer.

“Not all of our seniors are comfortable making online appointments or completing their applications over the phone,” said Bobby Taylor, Director of Planning and Community Services. “This in-person option allows residents 60 or older to walk in and speak with someone face-to-face.”

Those who are comfortable online, can make an appointment (which will be conducted over the phone) by clicking here.

The program begins July 1 and will operate through Sept. 30. Online scheduling is available now.

The main criterion for the program is income-related. Residents must be living at or below 175% of the federal poverty level ($46,375 for a family of four in 2021). They are then eligible if one of the following applies to them:

 

  • They are 60 or older.
  • They have 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.
  • They have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
  • They are enrolling in PIPP Plus for the first time.
  • They are an existing PIPP customer in default.

 

Only those 60 or older will be seen at the Office on Aging, Taylor notes. The office is on the second floor at 320 Gateway Blvd. North in Elyria. An elevator is available. Walk in hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are not available at that office at this time.

Benefits of the program include help paying an electric bill, limited repairs to a central air conditioning unit, receipt of a window air conditioner and receipt of a box fan. (Units are subject to availability.)

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;
  • Social Security numbers for all household members;
  • 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);

 

Coronavirus aid payments do NOT count as income for this program.

Secure drop boxes are available at both the LCOA office for seniors and at 936 Broadway Ave., Lorain for all others.