The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides funding to help pay heating bills for low-income individuals age sixty and over.
Eligibility:
Applicants must pay for heat directly or pay for heat in their rent payment; live in a HEAP-eligible residence; be US Citizen or Qualified Alien. Tenants of government subsidized housing where heat is included in the rent or residents of congregate care facilities, dormitories, group homes or institutions are not eligible.
Income Limits:
Recipients of public assistance, food stamps or SSI are income-eligible for HEAP. All other applicants must meet the gross monthly income test based on household size. These limits are set each heating season. Call the Department of Social Services at 845-334-5436 to see if you qualify.
Applying:
You can begin applying for a HEAP grant in October or November each year. HEAP provides grants on a first come, first serve basis until the funds provided for each heating season run out. If you received HEAP in the past year, you will automatically receive a HEAP application for the present year. Call the Department of Social Services at 845-334-5436 if you have additional questions.
HEAP and the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP):
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | OTDA (ny.gov)
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | OTDA (ny.gov)
