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Heating assistance heap benefit Program

Winter Weather Safety Tips

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Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs and people with cognitive impairments such as from dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability are at increased risk during extreme weather. Click here to read about some cold weather tips.  

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Help with Heating Bills

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Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay the cost of heating their homes. Eligible families can also apply for funds to help pay for home heating equipment and repairs. HEAP is funded by the federal government and is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

 

Eligibility

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Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including household income, household size, primary heating, source and weather a member of the household is under the age of 6, over the age of 60, or is permanently disabled. 

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If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with:

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  • Electricity

  • Natural Gas

  • Wood

  • Oil

  • Kerosene

  • Propane

  • Coal

  • Other fuel sources

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The 2020-2021 Regular HEAP benefit opens November 2, 2020. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under six years old, ages 60 years or older, or permanently disabled. 

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The 2020-2021 Emergency HEAP benefit will open on January 4, 2021. Households may also be eligible for an emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency. Households facing an energy emergency should call their local Department of Social Services’ HEAP office for assistance. 

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For more information on eligibility and applying for HEAP benefits, visit http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

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2018-19 HEAP Monthly Income Limits

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Your total household gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following guidelines:

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Your total household gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following guidelines:

 

2020-2021 HEAP Benefit Gross Monthly Income Guidelines

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Household Size      Maximum Gross Monthly Income

         1                                         $2,610

         2                                         $3,413

         3                                         $4,216

         4                                         $5,019

         5                                         $5,822

         6                                         $6,625

         7                                         $6,775

         8                                         $6,926

         9                                         $7,077

       10                                         $7,227

       11                                         $7,378

       12                                         $7,755

 

Each additional: Add $560

 

How to Apply

 

Applications are now being accepted. Please note that assistance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, households can receive up to $675 in assistance, plus add-ons. An extra emergency payment is also available to households that are out of fuel or going to have their service shut off.  Applications for emergency benefit open on Jan. 4, 2021.  

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Questions? 

Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact or the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009 or visit: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#overview  

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