Applying for HEAP in New York
If you are New Yorker and meet the eligibility requirements, applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help defray your home heating and energy costs. The federally funded program offers both regular and emergency benefits to help supplement the cost of heating and fuel, and offers furnace repair and replacement benefits for homes with non-working heating systems. The HEAP benefits are designed to provide the highest amount of assistance to the most vulnerable populations, defined as households including children less than six years of age, adults older than sixty, or disabled individuals.
Applications for 2010-2011 HEAP cycle of benefits closed on May 13th, 2011, but when the HEAP 2011-2012 season opens, eligible New Yorkers can apply in four different ways.
By Mail
You can apply for benefits by mail, but only if you have received HEAP assistance in the past and you received the benefits in the same state where you currently reside.
In Person
You can apply for HEAP benefits in person by visiting your county’s local social services office. After the application is processed, your district will conduct an interview in person or over the phone to determine your eligibility for the program. Be sure to check on the required documentation with your local social services office.
By Phone
If you were eligible for regular HEAP benefits in the 2010-2011 cycle, you can apply for emergency assistance on the phone. If you did not receive 2010-2011 HEAP benefits but do receive Temporary Assistance and Food Stamps, you can contact your case worker by phone to apply for HEAP benefits.
Online
If you live in Allegany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Greene, Herkimer, Jefferson, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Warren, Washington or Westchester county, you can apply for HEAP benefits online if you have previously received HEAP assistance and currently reside in the same county.
If you have questions, you can contact the New York State HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009, or your local social services office.
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