Ohio's PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus) is one of the strongest utility assistance programs in the nation. Instead of paying your full utility bill, you pay a fixed percentage of your income — typically 6-10% — and the rest is forgiven over time. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is PIPP Plus?
PIPP Plus caps your utility payments at a percentage of your household income, regardless of your actual energy usage:
- 6% of income for electric heating customers
- 6% of income for gas heating customers
- 10% of income for combined gas-electric customers (one company)
- 6% of income for electric cooling (summer months)
How It Works — An Example
If your household earns $2,000/month:
- Your PIPP payment: $120/month (6% of $2,000)
- Your actual electric bill: $250/month
- The $130 difference accumulates as an "arrearage credit"
- After 24 months of on-time payments, that arrearage is completely forgiven
Who Qualifies?
Income Requirements
- Household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,590 |
| 2 | $30,660 |
| 3 | $38,730 |
| 4 | $46,800 |
| 5 | $54,870 |
Other Requirements
- Must be an Ohio resident
- Must be responsible for a residential utility bill
- Must have gas or electric service in your name
- Cannot be in subsidized housing where utilities are included
- Must reapply/recertify annually
How to Apply
Step 1: Find Your Local Agency
Apply through your Community Action Agency or the Ohio Development Services Agency:
- Phone: 800-282-0880 (Ohio HEAP hotline)
- Online: energyhelp.ohio.gov
- 211: Dial 211 for local agency referral
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Proof of identity for all household members
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (last 30 days): pay stubs, benefit letters, SSI statement
- Most recent utility bills (gas and/or electric)
- Proof of address
- Proof of citizenship/legal residency
Step 3: Complete Your Application
- Applications accepted year-round (no seasonal window)
- Can apply in person, by phone, or online depending on your county
- Processing takes 2-4 weeks
- Once approved, PIPP rate starts on your next billing cycle
Benefits of PIPP Plus
Immediate Benefits
- Capped payments: Never pay more than 6-10% of income for utilities
- Shutoff protection: Cannot be disconnected while enrolled and current
- No deposit required: PIPP enrollment waives security deposits
- Fresh start: Past-due balance is frozen and put on forgiveness track
Long-Term Benefits
- Arrearage forgiveness: After 24 on-time payments, past-due balance forgiven
- Annual recertification: If income drops, payment drops too
- Weatherization referral: Connected to free home energy upgrades
- Credit protection: Prevents utility debt from growing
PIPP Plus Payment Rules
Staying in Good Standing
- Pay your PIPP amount by the due date each month
- One missed payment triggers a warning letter
- Two consecutive missed payments may result in removal
- If removed, you owe the full accumulated balance
- You can reapply after a 12-month waiting period (or immediately if circumstances changed)
What Counts as Income?
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Social Security / SSI / SSDI
- Unemployment compensation
- Pension and retirement income
- Child support received
- Workers' compensation
- Cash assistance (OWF/TANF)
Not counted: SNAP benefits, housing vouchers, one-time gifts, tax refunds
Arrearage Forgiveness — The Key Benefit
The most powerful feature of PIPP Plus is arrearage forgiveness:
- Month 1-12: Each on-time payment forgives 1/24th of your past-due balance
- Month 13-24: Continue making payments to forgive remaining balance
- Month 24: If all 24 payments made on time, entire arrearage = $0
- Ongoing charges: Your current usage above the PIPP amount is also credited monthly
Example Scenario
- Past-due balance when you enter PIPP: $2,400
- Monthly PIPP payment: $120
- After 24 on-time payments of $120 ($2,880 total paid)
- Result: $2,400 arrearage forgiven + current charges above PIPP amount also forgiven
- You essentially only paid 6% of income for 2 years of electricity
Combining PIPP with Other Programs
Ohio customers on PIPP can also access:
| Program | Benefit | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| HEAP (regular) | One-time $300-$800 payment | Can supplement PIPP |
| HEAP (crisis) | Emergency up to $500 | For emergencies on PIPP |
| Weatherization (WAP) | Free home upgrades | Reduces base usage |
| Electric Partnership Program | Appliance replacement | PIPP-eligible customers |
| AEP Community Assistance | Additional grants | AEP Ohio service area |
| Duke Energy HEA | Additional assistance | Duke Energy Ohio area |
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Check if household income is below 150% FPL
- [ ] Call 800-282-0880 or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov
- [ ] Gather income proof, IDs, utility bills, Social Security numbers
- [ ] Submit application (accepted year-round)
- [ ] Make every PIPP payment on time once enrolled
- [ ] Recertify annually to maintain enrollment
- [ ] Never miss 2 consecutive payments (removal risk)
- [ ] After 24 on-time payments, arrearage is fully forgiven
Bottom Line
Ohio's PIPP Plus is among the best utility assistance programs in the country. By capping your payments at 6-10% of income and forgiving the difference over 24 months, it provides genuine long-term relief — not just a one-time band-aid. If you qualify, there's almost no reason not to enroll. Apply through energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.
Sources
- Ohio Development Services Agency: energyhelp.ohio.gov
- Ohio HEAP Hotline: 800-282-0880
- PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio): puco.ohio.gov
- Ohio Community Action Agency directory: oacaa.org
