As household costs continue to climb, Ohio families are asking tough questions: Can I cover rent, gas and my medical expenses? Can I pay my bills and buy groceries? That’s why AEP Ohio recently expanded its Neighbor to Neighbor program through a first-of-its-kind partnership with five tech companies investing in Ohio.
The additional funding is helping more customers than ever receive assistance with their electric bills. The one-time grant amount has increased to $500 and expanded eligibility from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Since the new funding was announced on Aug. 18, the community response has been immediate. More than 300 customers applied for assistance in the first month, and nearly 200 have already received the program’s maximum $500 grant. The response shows how many Ohio families are looking for a little extra help as everyday expenses continue to rise.
“It took a weight off our shoulders”
Jane, a retired teacher from southern Ohio, recently received the maximum $500 Neighbor to Neighbor grant.
A six-year cancer survivor, Jane works part-time at her local library while helping support her husband, who is currently battling lung cancer and is on disability. With one child attending college while living at home, the household’s fixed budget was strained by a high electric bill during a hot summer.
Because of the program’s expanded eligibility, Jane now qualified for assistance.
“I didn’t think I’d qualify”
Jenny, a nurse from Lima and single mother of three, was searching online for payment extensions after a recent divorce left her facing new financial realities.
Despite working full-time, she found herself more than $1,000 behind on her electric bill while balancing the costs of raising two teenagers and a 6-year-old.
While looking for payment options, she came across Neighbor to Neighbor.
“I didn’t think I’d qualify,” she said.
The grant helped ease an immediate financial burden and helped her get back on track.
“I was barely making it, and with all the recent changes in my life, I was getting behind on my bills, so this really helped,” Jenny said.
“This gives me some breathing room to get caught up”
For Antoria, a full-time student at Columbus State Community College who plans to transfer to The Ohio State University to study social work, the grant arrived just in time.
“I found out about the program at a time when I was scheduled for a termination of services,” Antoria said. “This gives me some breathing room to get caught up and stay caught up instead of having to figure out what other bill I’m going to sacrifice.”
Neighbors helping neighbors
Since 2008, Neighbor to Neighbor has helped tens of thousands of families across Ohio facing temporary financial hardship.
Behind every application is a real person, a real family and a real story.
For Jane, Jenny and Antoria, the program meant one less financial burden and a little more peace of mind.
That’s what Neighbor to Neighbor is all about.
Learn More
If you or someone you know is struggling to pay an electric bill, help may be available.
- Learn more about the Neighbor to Neighbor program
- See if you qualify for N2N and other assistance programs at AEPOhio.com/BillHelp
- Call our 24/7 customer solutions center at 800-672-2231
It’s a crime that so many need help with their electric bill!! I am a retired person in my 80’s who has seen my budget bill double in 3-4 months. I had a $666 bill in Sept to “catch up” from what I owed when my budget was $97 a month! $500 is nice but a joke as the high bills keep coming. This is nuts!! Don’t you use coal and natural gas to fuel the power plants? Not oil? What happened in March to increase the 3 cent per unit to 11 cents. Upgrading infrastructure? All of a sudden? You are killing poor and old people. With taxes, utility bills and food how can people live? Older people should get a break! I met a woman in her 80’s who works 2 jobs to pay her utilities!!! Shame on you!!