Utility Payments

When Seneca County families with minor children have a problem with their utilities that may affect the health and safety of the children, there may be assistance with funding to help.

Who is potentially eligible for these services?

• A Specified relative with minor child(ren)
• Legal custodian/guardian with minor child(ren)
• Pregnant woman
• An Ohio non-custodial parent if the non-custodial parent and/or the child reside in Seneca County.

The emergent need must be determined by the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services.

Eligibility is limited to only 1 utility to be paid no more than once in a 24 month period with a maximum of $500 to be paid. Eligibility is also limited to households who are at or below the 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.  The previous 30 days income for the entire household must be verified.

What services might be covered under the maximum $500 per 24 month benefit?

Utility Assistance

Payments to prevent shut off or to reconnect (must have disconnect notice) electric, gas, and/or fuel oil. Note: Utility total may be paid only one time per 24 month period, up to $500.

If a customer receives a regular utility assistance check, the amount of those checks will be deducted from the amount the agency can cover on a past due bill.

Needed verifications include the following:

• Original disconnect notice
• Signed release to utility company and/or landlord, if applicable.
• Verification that at least one payment has been made on the utility within 90 days prior to the date of application and that the total payment(s) made equaled a minimum of 15% of the amount needed to prevent a disconnect or to reconnect service.
• The previous 30 days income for the entire household.

Home Repairs

So that child(ren) can be cared for in their own home. The applicant must be the home owner.

Needed verifications include the following:

• Three estimates are needed.
• The previous 30 days income for the entire household.

How do I Apply?

1) Obtain & Complete an Application

You may print an application.

At the time you apply, you may also register to vote by also completing this Ohio voter registration form.

Or, You may call our office at 419-447-5011 or 800-825-5011 to have an application mailed to you.

Or, you may come to our office and pick up an application.  Click here for our hours and location.

A case worker at our office can help you if you are having problems getting needed information.

2) Return the completed, signed Application

By Mail to:
Seneca County DJFS
3362 S. Twp. Rd. 151
Tiffin, OH 448830

By Fax to:  419-447-5345

Or come to our office.    Click here for our hours and location. You may also place your application in our drop-box next to the main entrance (at the back of the building), after hours.

It is important that you mail, fax, or deliver your application to our office as soon as possible as it could affect the effective date that you may be eligible to receive benefits.

If additional documentation is needed, a checklist will be mailed to you.

Applicants will be notified by mail of their approval or denial.

The Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services is responsible for approving or denying the request within 10 business days after rcompletion of the application process. A PRC application will be denied after 30 days if all requested verifications are not received. The completion of the application process starts with the receipt and/or verification of all requested documents.

For More Information

Contact the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services at 419-447-5011:

• PRC Staff at extension 417
• Carol Owen at extension 322