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.
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.
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:
| Income Guidelines for the 2023-2024 HEAP Season | |
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 | $ 2,610 |
| 2 | $ 3,413 |
| 3 | $ 4,216 |
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.
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.
Opens 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 at 315-867-1220.
Additional aid may be allowed for the repair of basic heating equipment that is inoperable or unsafe. For more information call OFA at 315-867-1195.
The cleaning of the primary heating equipment, but may also include minor repairs for proper efficient operation of heating equipment.
For the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan to help keep the home cool.
Online Application at myBenefits
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
Must meet income guidelines set annually and be willing to fully disclose finances.
Contact the Herkimer County Department of Social Services at 315-867-1220
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
Child Preventive Services and the SIP Program provide supportive assessment and referral services to Prevent the placement of a child into foster care ,Return a child currently in foster care to his/her parents sooner than would otherwise be possible and to Prevent the re-placement of a child into foster care
Each county in New York State has a Child Protective Services (CPS) Unit, which investigates reports of suspected child abuse and neglect received from the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register (Hotline) located in Albany.
The Child Support program provides custodial parents with assistance in obtaining financial support and medical insurance coverage for their children by locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing support orders and collecting and distributing support payments.
Foster Care is provided to children under the age of 18 who are in need of an alternate living arrangement.
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.
The Commissioner of Social Services is responsible for the burial of any Herkimer County resident that meets the criteria outlined in the Indigent Burial Policy adopted by the Herkimer County Legislature on September 11, 2019.
Herkimer County currently has a mandated Medicaid Managed Care program through three Medicaid Managed Care health plans.
Medical Assistance is help for people who cannot pay for all of their medical care.
The Family Support PINS Diversion Program began in February 2003 and is the point of entry for PINS Diversion services in Herkimer County. Services provided include a formal assessment, in home counseling, case management, family support, respite and mentoring for at-risk youth.
SNAP, a program of the US Department of Agriculture, is provided to insure that the nutritional needs of income eligible persons are met.
Temporary Assistance is temporary help for needy adults and children. If an applicant is unable to work, can't find a job or his/her job does not pay enough, Temporary Assistance may be able to pay for some household expenses.
Day care assistance is an income eligible program available to assist working parents. The Day Care Unit keeps a current listing of registered day care homes in Herkimer County, which is available to the general public.
Services range from assessing a child to securing an adoptive home, to assisting parent(s) under appropriate circumstances to surrender a child, to the recruitment and evaluation of prospective adoptive parents.
Adult Protective Services is a service provided to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Unable to protect his/her own interests due to lack of awareness or incompetence, Incapacitated due to a physical or mental impairment , In danger of being harmed or threatened with harm , Have an unmet need such as failure to receive adequate food, shelter, or clothing, Have no one willing or able to assist responsibility
The Alternatives in Long Term Care Program provides a central access point to long term home care services for all Herkimer County residents with chronic long-term home care needs.
The goal of the Employment Unit is to help applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to achieve self-sufficiency.
