Percentage of Income Payment Plan

Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year- round. Payments are based on a percentage of household income and are consistent year-round.

If your home is heated with gas, you will have a monthly payment of 6% of your household income for your natural gas bill, and 6% of your household income for your electric bill. If you heat with electric, your monthly payment is 10% of your household income. The balance of your utility bill is subsidized by the state of Ohio. There is a minimum monthly payment of $10.00.

Paying on-time and in-full each month reduces your outstanding balance. If you make 24 on-time and in-full payments, your outstanding balance with your utility company will be eliminated.

Once you are enrolled in the PIPP program, you are required to re-verify your income each year. You must also be caught up on all your PIPP payments by your Anniversary Date, which is the date you signed up for PIPP. Failure to report changes in the household income or household members, missing a payment, or not re-verifying your income can result in being dropped from the program.

Who is eligible for PIPP?

Ohioans with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and have utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio are eligible for the program.

A household applying for PIPP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.

How do I apply?

You can apply or reverify your PIPP online at energyhelp.ohio.gov, by appointment at your local Energy Assistance Provider, or by mail. When you apply, you will need to complete the Energy Assistance Application (English or Spanish) and submit a copy of the following documents:

copies of your most recent utility bills, gas and/or electric,
a list of all household members (include birth dates and Social Security numbers) and proof of income for everyone in the household over 18 years old for the last 30 days for each member (12 months preferred)
Proof of citizenship or legal residency for all household members.

Please contact your local agency provider for a list of required documents. Depending on your income type, additional forms may be required. Samples of the additional forms can be found by clicking here.

Don’t forget to sign the application. Not signing the application will delay the application process.

If you’re applying by mail, send your application and required documents to:

HEAP
P.O. Box 1240
Columbus, Ohio 43216

Where do I get an Energy Assistance Application?

If you are enrolling in PIPP for the first time, please contact your local Energy Assistance Provider to make an appointment.

You can start your application online by visiting energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Click the link to download a copy of the Energy Assistance Program application (English or Spanish).

Applications are also available at your local Energy Assistance Provider, local libraries, county departments of Job and Family Services, and Area Agencies on Aging.