Utility Assistance and Emergency COVID-19 Assistance
Regular utility assistance and emergency COVID-19 related assistance are available through SELF. Our offices will be open to the public soon. In the meantime, learn about emergency resources here.
Energy Assistance (HEAP)
SELF’s Winter Crisis Program begins November 1, 2022. To apply for HEAP, PIPP, or Summer Crisis, schedule an appointment by calling 513-868-9300, Option 1 for Utility Assistance or visit self.itfrontdesk.com.
Emergency Rent/Utility Assistance (COVID)
ATTENTION:
SELF is not accepting applications for Emergency (COVID) rent/utilities as of 5:00 PM on 5/26/2023 due to the number of waitlist requests.
Request forms can be dropped off to the secure drop boxes located outside our offices, or emailed to info@selfhelps.org
What are my options for rent assistance?
Download the request form below or pick up a request form at one of our offices.
PLEASE NOTE: The state of Ohio online application portal is closed as of 5/15/2023.
SELF office locations:
Hamilton: 415 S. Monument Avenue
Middletown: 930 9th Avenue
Please note, as of 3/22/2023, all COVID rent and utility assistance request forms must be filled out BY HAND. This is due to the volume of fraudulent applications we have received. Thank you for your understanding!
NOTE: If you email your rent assistance request form to SELF, please try to attach the document as an attachment, and not as an image embedded in the email! Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions – Applying for Emergency Assistance for Rent and Utilities
- How long before I receive a call from SELF?
- Because of our waitlist, a SELF staff person will not be in contact until your application moves from the waitlist to a staff member for processing. Waitlist times depend upon the risk of eviction/disconnection per applicant, as well as the length of the waitlist.
- How long does it take to process the application?
- It depends. Applicants need to ensure they have included ALL of the documents requested by their case worker. Once all the documents are provided it will be given to administrative staff for final approval. Once approved, a check will be forwarded in 2-3 weeks.
- If I have applied previously, can I apply again and do I have to submit new documents?
- Yes, you can apply again. You will have to provide new documents because your previous documents were shredded to protect your confidentiality.
- You may only receive 18 months total assistance. After that, you will no longer be eligible.
- If you applied and your application was closed, you must wait 30 days from the date your application was closed to apply again.
- How long do I have to provide missing documents?
- You have five (5) days to provide ALL the documents needed to apply.
- What happens if my landlord does not want to provide information?
- SELF will contact the landlord to provide information about the availability of the program.
- Can I get assistance if I am not behind on my bills?
- Applicants must be behind on bills to receive assistance.
- Can you assist with fees and court costs?
- We may be able to assist with late fees or court costs. We can not assist with attorney fees.
- Can you assist with utility bills?
- Yes, SELF can assist with utility bills. We require copies of each monthly bill that is past due.
- Do I have to have social security cards for all members of my family?
- Yes, SELF needs verification of these numbers for all US Citizens. If you do not have social security cards for adults, you can use a voter registration card that lists that number and a birth certificate. You may also use a previous year’s tax return form, with the number listed and a birth certificate. For children, if they are school age, the school should have a copy of their social security card.
- Can I receive assistance if I’m not a US Citizen?
- Yes, if you have provided all the documents needed to determine eligibility for assistance.
- What income information is needed?
- SELF requires income for the last 90 days for ALL adults residing in the home.
- What do I need to provide that shows I have been impacted by COVID?
- We will need all available documents to support how you have been impacted by COVID. This can include verification of a positive COVID-19 test, layoffs, job loss, etc.
- Is there rent assistance available for non COVID-19 related needs?
- No
For any questions regarding emergency assistance applications, please contact self at info@selfhelps.org or 513-868-9300. Thank you!
Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) shall prioritize the completed application packets of households with total household income less than 50% area median income and/or households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days. Applications are assigned to an Emergency Services Specialist as soon as possible. The Emergency Services Specialist will review their assigned packets and will prioritize those who appear to meet the prioritization criteria. Applicants are given five days to gather and submit any and all missing documents.
Once an application packet is completed, the Specialist will note the priority status and submit the packet to an Approver for final review before submitting to Finance for payment (s) to be issued.
