HEAP Season is Open

HEAP SEASON IS OPEN

Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator

For those in need of assistance and who meet the income thresholds of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), seasonal help can be provided to qualified New Yorkers to heat and cool their homes. The program benefits for those income eligible include one regular HEAP benefit per program year. This comes in the form of a direct voucher to fuel providers to help cover an amount of a delivery. Consumers may also be eligible for the emergency HEAP benefit, for those in danger of running out of fuel or having the utility service shut off. HEAP also provides a couple other benefits including the Cooling Benefit, which can provide a window air conditioner for the warmer seasons. Another benefit called the Clean and Tune Benefit can clean and tune a heating system, this benefit can be provided if households meet program criteria. In addition to these there is also the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefit within HEAP which if eligible can provide assistance in repairing or replacing a heating system to keep the system working. Applications can be completed online, in person or via mail. In Sullivan County, residents who may be eligible can connect with the Sullivan County Department of Social Services, at (845) 807-0142. Seniors can reach out to the Sullivan County Office of the Aging, at 845-794-3000. Other agencies that can help with HEAP in Sullivan County are; Action Towards Independence, at (845) 794-4228, and Independent Living, at (845) 794-3322. The Sullivan County Sheriff’s office is available for those encountering an after-hours emergency related to HEAP, at (845) 794-7100. For those who qualify for HEAP, there can be other programs to help save money and get a home energy audit/ assessment. This assessment would not involve a cost for those who qualify for HEAP and can result in in free air sealing, insulation, and electric reduction work. To connect on programs in Sullivan County call Community Energy Advisor Sean Welsh at (845) 292-6180, ext. 127.

Source:

“Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)” | OTDA (ny.gov), accessed on 11.18.2022. https://otda.ny.gov/prog/heap.