Seasonal
Crisis Program
Seasonal
Crisis Program
Is your power disconnected or about to be shut off?
You’re in the right place. Step Forward helps Cuyahoga County households restore or prevent loss of service through Ohio’s Seasonal Crisis Programs.
Before scheduling an appointment, please complete your Energy Assistance Application online. Completing your application first helps prevent delays when it’s time for your appointment.
Crisis assistance is provided by appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis. You can schedule online here or by phone at (216) 480-HEAP (4327).
To keep access fair for everyone, appointments are managed through our automated system and updated daily — including cancellations. Step Forward staff cannot make or change appointments manually.
If your utilities are already off, we’ll work directly with your utility company to confirm disconnection before scheduling your reconnection appointment.
Step Forward offers two seasonal programs that operate at different times of the year:
Summer Cooling Program
July 1-September 30
This program provides a one-time benefit per cooling season to help eligible Cuyahoga County households stay cool and manage electric costs.
Households at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (about $52,500 for a family of four) may qualify if someone in the home is 60 or older, has a verified medical condition, is enrolled in PIPP, or has received a disconnect notice or needs to start electric service.
Clients who have not received cooling devices, such as air conditioners or box fans, in the last three years may be eligible for new devices. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Crisis Program
November 1-March 31
This program provides a one-time benefit per heating season to help eligible Cuyahoga County households restore or maintain heat and electric service during the winter months.
Households at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (about $52,500 for a family of four) may qualify if their service has been disconnected, they have received a disconnection notice, or they have 25% or less bulk fuel remaining in their tank.
Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is designed to help households stay safe and warm throughout the winter season.
or call (216) 480-HEAP (4327)
Four steps to getting crisis assistance
All four steps must be completed to receive assistance.
🏢 Walk-In Appointments
Step Forward offers a limited number of same-day, walk-in appointments for emergency utility assistance. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the locations below:
1801 Superior Avenue, Suite 400, Cleveland, OH 44114
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
2203 Superior Avenue,
Cleveland, OH 44114
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Because walk-in slots are limited, we recommend arriving early and making sure you have all required documents with you to avoid delays.
You can review what to bring by checking Step Forward's Document Checklist.
Important: Because each household’s utility situation varies, additional documentation beyond what is listed may be required to complete your application. Please provide copies of your documents whenever possible.
Suggestions for a successful phone appointment
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Enter your phone number in your application carefully and check your entry for accuracy. Transposed numbers, wrong numbers, and providing a phone number that is no longer in service will result in a missed appointment.
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You will be asked for personal information during your appointment. To protect yourself, make proper arrangements for privacy.
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Make proper arrangements for a quiet environment as excessive or loud background noise may prevent the appointment from being completed.
