Ohio opens air conditioning aid program

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state is opening its annual summer program that provides money to help needy Ohioans beat the season’s heat.

The Ohio Department of Development’s summer crisis program offers up to $175 for the purchase of an air conditioner or payment of a summer electric bill.

A low-income household qualifies if there’s a family member 60 or older or someone who has proof from a doctor that air conditioning is medically necessary. A family of four is eligible if the household’s income is below $44,100. Last year’s threshold was lower, $39,000.

Officials say more than 42,000 Ohio families were helped last summer. This year’s program, beginning today, is expected to serve even more, partly because of the higher income cut-off.