PAULDING, Oh. (WOWO): It's starting to get colder outside, and agencies around Ohio are opening their doors to help low-income residents struggling to keep the heat on. The Home Energy Assistance Program's (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program has begun. 

The program assists low-income residents facing possible disconnection from their regulated utility provider by providing one-time payment of $175 to help heat their home. Michele Lucas with HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action expects the first few weeks of the program to be busy, and asks folks to have patience:

“Everyone has something that is unique about their situation that does need to be addressed in the best way possible, but if people become impatient sometimes it creates delays that are unnecessary.”

To be eligible, households must have a disconnect notice, have already been disconnected or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel for heating. Customers also must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, which is about $41,000 a year for a family of four.