HEAP Applications Now Being Accepted

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that beginning today, January 2, eligible low-income New Yorkers who are in danger of having their heat shut off or running out of fuel, can apply for emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits.

HEAP, overseen by OTDA, is a federally-funded program to help eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for a one-time emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their heat or heat-related utility service shut off.

Eligibility for emergency HEAP benefits is based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency. For example, a family of four can have a household income of $49,333 a year and may still qualify for a HEAP benefit.

A complete list of where to apply locally can be found by calling the New York State HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

Emergency HEAP benefit categories for 2012-2013 and the amounts are: heat related domestic (electric service required to operate heating equipment) $160; natural gas heat only, $400; natural gas combined with heat related domestic, $560; electric heat combined with heat related domestic, $560; non-uitility heating fuel (oil, kerosene, propane), $600; non-utility heating fuel (wood, pellets, coal, corn, etc.), $500.

This article appeared in print on page 4 of the January 3rd, 2013 edition of Hamodia.