2 HEATING ASSISTANCE

Eligibility, 2605(b)(2) - Assurance 2 2.1 Designate the income eligibility threshold used for the heating component: Add Household size Eligibility Guideline Eligibility Threshold 1 9 State Median Income 60.00% 2.2 Do you have additional eligibility requirements for Heating Assistance? Yes No 2.3 Check the appropriate boxes below and describe the policies for each. Do you require an Assets test? Yes No If yes, describe: Do you have additional/differing eligibility policies for: Renters? Yes No If yes, describe: Renters Living in subsidized housing? Yes No If yes, describe: Tenants whose electric bills are not in the renter's name(s) are ineligible to receive benefits, unless they provide verification that they pay all or a portion (i.e., HUD Section 8 housing) of the electric bill. Renters with utilities included in the rent? Yes No If yes, describe: Tenants whose electric bills are not in the renter's name(s) are ineligible to receive benefits, unless they provide verification that they pay all or a portion (i.e., HUD Section 8 housing) of the electric bill. Do you give priority in eligibility to: Older Adults (60 years or older)? Yes No If yes, describe: A weighted benefit is given to clients who have someone in the home over the age of 60 or older. Individuals with a disability? Yes No If yes, describe: A weighted benefit is given to clients who have someone in the home with a documented disability. Young children? Yes No If yes, describe: A weighted benefit is given to clients who have someone in the home a child 5 years or younger. Households with high energy burdens? Yes No If yes, describe: Other? Yes No If yes, describe: Explanations of policies for each "yes" checked above: Ohio HEAP applies a weighted benefit to households with members who are more vulnerable to energy insecurity. Additional weight is given when a household includes: An individual age 60 or older, A documented person with a disability, and/or a child age 5 or younger. Determination of Benefits 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.4 Describe how you prioritize the provision of heating assistance to vulnerable populations, e.g., benefit amounts, early application periods, etc. All applicants meeting eligibility and are 60 years or older, individuals with a disability, and/or have a child in the house 5 years and younger, receive an increased monetary benefit based on the Benefit Matrix. Older adults and individuals with a disability will also receive the new HEAP application by mail first. 2.5 Check the variables you use to determine your benefit levels. (Check all that apply): Income Family (household) size Home energy cost or need: Fuel type Climate/region Individual bill Dwelling type Energy burden (% of income spent on home energy) Energy need Other - Describe: Increased benefit amounts for older adults and/or clients with a disability and households with a child 5 years and younger. Decreased benefit amounts for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) clients. The FY 2025 Benefit Matrix (see attached) is submitted with the State Plan assuming Ohio's LIHEAP funding level remains the same. A final version of the FY 2026 Benefit Matrix will be submitted when funding information is finalized. Benefit Levels, 2605(b)(5) - Assurance 5, 2605(c)(1)(B) 2.6 Describe estimated benefit levels for the fiscal year for which this plan applies. Please note: the maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix. Minimum Benefit $24 Maximum Benefit $441 2.7 Do you provide in-kind (e.g., blankets, space heaters) and/or other forms of benefits?2 Yes No If yes, describe. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.