The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps you maintain your gas and electric service while paying an amount you can afford each month.

• You pay what you can afford, and PIPP covers the rest.

• This helps you avoid growing utility debt, prevent disconnections, and reduce service fees.

• If you already have utility debt, PIPP can help forgive part of what you owe.

Processing time: Once your application is approved, it may take up to 12 weeks to receive notice of your PIPP payment and have it reflected on your utility bill.

To keep your PIPP benefits active each year, you must:

1. Stay current on your payments — especially by your anniversary date (the date you first enrolled).

2. Reverify your income once a year.

If you fall behind on payments or skip reverification, your PIPP enrollment may end.

Tip: Start the process early! It can take up to 12 weeks to update your account.

You can reverify in two ways:

• Online: Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov and use the Online Reverification Portal.

• By mail: Send your application to: Energy Assistance Programs P.O. Box 1240 Columbus, OH 43216

Step Forward does not accept mailed or drop-off applications at its offices.

What you’ll need:

• Completed Utility Assistance Programs Application

• Proof of income for everyone in your household

• Copies of your latest utility bills

• Social Security numbers and birth dates for all household members

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (one per person):

  • Social Security card, Birth certificate, Passport, Naturalization paper, Permanent visa, or INS ID card

• Disability verification (if applicable)

PIPP applications are processed by the State of Ohio in the order they’re received. Processing can take up to 12 weeks, and there’s no way to fast-track it.

To make things move faster:

• Apply online at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

• Create an online Ohio Energy Programs account — it lets you upload documents quickly and track your status in real time.

According to the application instructions, paper applications must be mailed to:

Energy Assistance Programs

P.O. Box 1240

Columbus, Ohio 43216

Ohio residents can track their application status by applying for HEAP/PIPP/PIPP reverification online at energyhelp.ohio.gov. The status of an online application will be updated throughout the processing until completion.

You can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to:

• Upload any missing documents

• Check your application status

• Apply or reverify for HEAP and PIPP using the same form

No appointments, drop-offs, or mailed applications are accepted at Step Forward.