Prevention, Retention And Contingency (PRC) - Utilities

A program of Cuyahoga County Job And Family Services

This program helps pay past due utility bills, reconnect shut-off services, or set up new utilities. You can get up to $750 per year for gas, electric, and water combined. You cannot get more than $1,500 total from this program in one year (or $750 if you are a non-custodial guardian).

Address: 1641 Payne Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
Hours: Hours vary — see schedule below
M-F: 8:30am-4:00pm.
Who can use it: You must live in Cuyahoga County and have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. You must be a parent, caretaker, relative, legal guardian, or legal custodian of a child age 18 or younger living with you (or through age 18 if in high school), or be pregnant in your third trimester or later. At least one family member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Your name must be on the gas or electric bill. For water, your name must be on the bill or your lease must say you pay for water. You must have a shut-off notice, termination notice, or final notice from the utility company - unless you are moving and need to turn on utilities at a new place. You cannot have already used this program for that same utility this year. You must try other help first (call 2-1-1). If other programs like E-HEAP or PIPP PLUS are available, you must apply for those first or be denied before you can get PRC help. If you have more than $1,000 in savings, you must use that money first. You cannot get help if you get a utility discount (like public housing residents). You cannot get help if you are a fugitive felon or were convicted of program fraud and have not paid it back - but you can apply within 30 days after a sanction ends.
Languages: English on-site. Other languages by phone.
What to expect: Pick up an application at a Job and Family Services Office Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm, or get one online, by mail, or at a library. Fill it out and turn it in. The agency will decide within 10 calendar days (sometimes up to 30 days) once they get all the paperwork they need. You will hear the decision in person or by mail within 2 business days.
What to bring: Call ahead to confirm what documents you'll need to bring.

Want to be sure before you go?

Call 211 first.

Hours and stock change. A United Way 211 navigator will confirm this place is open right now and has what you need — or send you somewhere that does.

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