Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
In an effort to help income eligible individuals cope with higher fuel bills of winter, NYS participates in the Federal funded “Home Energy Assistance Program”, commonly known as HEAP. When you are approved, HEAP will make a lump-sum payment directly to your energy supplier on your behalf. This payment is known as a grant and will appear as a credit on your fuel account. Payments may take up to 90 days to be credited to your account.
Benefits:
Grants are ordinarily limited to one per household, per heating season. The grant amount is based on your fuel type, household size, and household income during the four weeks prior to your application.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a HEAP grant, you must meet income guidelines and residence requirements and you must pay for heating energy directly to a fuel company or as part of your rent.
There are certain living situations, which do not qualify for HEAP. The following do NOT qualify:
- Tenants of government subsidized housing where heat is included in the rent.
- Individuals paying room and or room and board in a private residence.
- Residents of care facilities, dormitories, and board in a private residence.
- Those who do not have heating responsibilities.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,035 |
| 2 | $3,970 |
| 3 | $4,904 |
Call the Office for the Aging if you need income limits for a household over 3.
Application:
The HEAP application asks for enough information to determine your eligibility and grant amount. You must give basic information such as your name, address, and telephone number. You must provide copies of photo ID or birth certificate, social security cards and income for everyone in your household. All information is treated as highly confidential and in accordance with the New York State Personal Privacy Protection Law which took effect on September 1, 1984.
Documentation:
When applying for HEAP you will need to provide identification and proof of gross income for everyone who lives in your home. Depending on circumstances, you may use birth certificates, a marriage license, driver’s license, rental receipts and copies of current pays stubs or pension statements. We cannot use bank statements for proof of monthly income.
- Social security/Disability/SSI
- Pension/Veteran’s Benefit
- Dividends (from stocks, bonds)
- Alimony/Support (or court order)
- Payroll, Worker’s Compensation, Unemployment Insurance Benefit
- Rentals (received from tenants/roomers/real property)
- Interest (up-dated on pass books, savings, checking, CDs, etc.)
Emergency HEAP:
Opens in January 2, 2024. In certain low fuel or shut-off notice situations, emergency grants are available and are processed immediately to prevent a utility shut off or to guarantee a fuel delivery. For these situations, if you are age 60 or older, please call OFA at 315-867-1195. For those under the age of 60, please call DSS @ 315-867-1220.
Furnace Repair/Replacement for those 60 and over:
Additional aid may be allowed for the repair of basic heating equipment that is inoperable or unsafe. For more information call OFA @ 315-867-1195.
Clean and Tune for those 60 and over:
The cleaning of the primary heating equipment, but may also include minor repairs for proper efficient operation of heating equipment.
Cooling Assistance will open May 1, 2024:
For the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan to help keep the home cool.
Online Application at myBenefits:
Program Description:
The HEAP program provides funds to lower-income households for heating and cooling costs. The social Services Department processes applications for individuals under the age of 60 and Office of the Aging processes senior (age 60 & over) applications
Eligibility Criteria:
Must meet income guidelines set annually and be willing to fully disclose finances.
Referral Procedure:
Contact the Herkimer County Department of Social Services at 315-867-1220
FAQs:
Q. Do applicants need to apply each year?
A. yes
Q. How often is a HEAP benefit received?
A. The benefit is an annual benefit