Utility and Home Repair Assistance
What is the STEPS to Stability Program?
The STEPS to Stability Program was created by Council on Aging to help address common, one-time needs that can impact an older adult’s ability to remain independent in their homes and communities.
At this time, STEPS to Stability can help eligible Hamilton County older adults pay their Duke Energy utility bill and/or make home repairs or modifications that can help them age in place.
This Program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Hamilton County, Ohio by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Additional funding comes from the Hamilton County Senior Services Tax Levy.
What assistance is available?
Utility Assistance
Eligible individuals may apply for a one-time, $500 credit for their Duke Energy utility bill.
Home Repairs and Safety Modifications
Individuals may apply for assistance with home repairs or safety upgrades that will help them continue to live independently at home. The applicant must own and reside in the home where the work will occur. Additionally, all home repair/modification requests must first be evaluated by a contracted service provider before they can be approved.
Repairs and safety modifications commonly include the following:
- Safety upgrades including grab bars, railings and ramps
- HVAC Repair (heating and cooling)
- Hot Water Heater Repair
- Stairlifts
Applicants should prioritize the most critical repairs or safety modifications that will keep them safe and independent in their own homes. Due to financial constraints, this program is not able to provide the following:
- Roof repair and/or replacement
- Cosmetic repairs and/or replacements
- Driveway or walkway repairs and/or replacements
- Concrete work or repair
- Yard work
- Exterior or interior painting
- Major plumbing repair (water main repair, septic tanks, etc.)
- Appliance repair and/or replacement
Who is eligible?
The STEPS to Stability Program – Hamilton County is for county residents age 60 and older who meet certain income requirements and who are not eligible for utility assistance through other available programs.
General eligibility criteria:
- Meet age, household and income qualifications (see below)
- If you received a home repair or modification in 2024, you cannot apply for a repair or modification in 2025.
- If you received utility assistance in 2024, you can apply again in 2025.
- If you received neither of these benefits in 2024, you can apply for both in 2025.
Age, household and income eligibility criteria:
- Hamilton County residents age 60 and over
- Ineligible for other assistance programs
- Utility Assistance: Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
- Repairs/Modifications: Applicant must be the homeowner and reside in the home where the work will occur.
- Household income of 300% of poverty level or below, following the guidelines below:
- $45,180 for a household of one
- $61,320 for a household of two
- $77,460 for a household of three
- $93,600 for a household of four
How to Apply
Online: Apply online by clicking here.
Mail, Email or Fax:
Click here to download a printable application.
Completed applications should be mailed to:
Council on Aging
Attn: ADRC – Utilities
4601 Malsbary Road
Blue Ash, OH 45242
Completed paper applications may also be emailed to
HCUtility@help4seniors.org or faxed to: (513) 538-0411.
Once we receive your application form, we will contact you to further assess your
eligibility for the program.
To have an application mailed to you, please call (513) 743-9000 or send an email to HCUtility@help4seniors.org.
Questions?
If you have questions, please call COA at (513) 743-9000.