How to apply for utility assistance in Cuyahoga and Summit Counties

UPDATE (3/25/22): Print copies in English and Spanish of the guide are now available at branches of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County public libraries.

Dealing with a mounting utility bill or shut-off notice can be scary, especially during the winter months, and especially during a deadly pandemic that has caused many to need to shelter at home. 

There are programs out there to help, but navigating them can be frustrating because of the amount of paperwork you need to provide. Plus, many agencies where you can sign up are closed to the public, and most applications must be completed entirely remotely.

To help make the process less daunting, The Land and the Northeast Ohio Solutions Journalism Collaborative have created this guide for residents of Cuyahoga and Summit counties, and made it available to the public for free.

Struggling to get help with other bills, or have other needs? Consider dialing 2-1-1 in Cuyahoga or Summit Counties to speak with a trained navigator, who can help you find the right assistance to fit your circumstances. 

Did you find this guide helpful? Consider tweeting about it, and tag us @neohiosojo! Questions or concerns? Please email Project Manager Sharon Broussard, sjbrouss84@gmail.com, or Reporter Conor Morris, cmorris40@gmail.com.

This guide is a part of the Northeast Ohio Solutions Journalism Collaborative’s Making Ends Meet project. NEO SoJo is composed of 18-plus Northeast Ohio news outlets including The Land. This guide was created by Report for America Corps member Conor Morris and Cleveland freelance journalist Rachel Dissell. Shana Black, of Black Girl Media, designed the guide, and Claudia Longo, of La Mega Media translated it. The Land reporter Michael Indriolo, IdeaStream reporter Taylor Haggerty, Akron Beacon Journal reporter Abbey Marshall and WKYC reporters Rachel Polansky and Phil Trexler contributed reporting to this guide as well.