HEAP—HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you’re having trouble paying your heating bills, you can apply for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Here are some tips regarding HEAP:

• Contact the local Department of Social Services to find out if you’re eligible for benefits from HEAP.
• HEAP eligibility is based on household gross income. If you qualify, you could benefit from two types of HEAP grants: a regular grant and an emergency grant to help you avoid a service termination. You can receive a regular HEAP grant and still qualify for emergency benefits. It’s also possible to receive an emergency grant even if you don’t qualify for a regular HEAP grant. Whatever the case, you must apply to receive assistance.
• If you received HEAP benefits last winter, an application will be sent to you for this winter season. Turn in your application as early as possible. It may take four to six weeks before the grants are reflected on your energy bill.

For more information, call your local Department of Social Services office.

HEAP also runs a cooling assistance program. 

Eligible households may receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 towards purchasing and installing cooling equipment, depending upon income, household size and cooling source. For information visit http://otda.ny.gov/ programs/heap.