CENTRAL OHIO -- Frigid temperatures mean turning up your heat and watching your utility bills climb.
NBC 4's Ana Jackson GOT ANSWERS on where to turn for help.
If you're having trouble keeping up with payments, you don't have to freeze in a cold home.
The Breathing Association has a home-energy assistance program or HEAP.
Signing up with HEAP is easy. All you have to do is provide a picture ID, Social Security numbers for all household members 2 years and older, proof of all income for the past 90 days and your gas and electric bills.
The director of HEAP said the program has helped more people this year than last because of the sour economy.
And HEAP has already seen a 30 percent increase in applications since November.
Shanel Jones almost experienced a utility disconnect but turned to HEAP for help
"A lot of your bills get disconnected. That's really hard on parents when you have younger children. We really need that help," Jones said.
To learn more about the HEAP program, call the Breathing Association at 614-457-2997 or click here for more information.
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