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HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), is a federally-funded program that provides up to $625 for eligible households to pay for energy costs in order to keep homes warm during the winter.
The benefit is dependent on income and family size, and payments go directly to the utility company. The grant for families varies according to size of household. To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,244. Eligible income limits for larger households are: two persons - $2,935; three persons - $3,625; four persons - $4,316; five persons - $5,006; six persons - $5,697; seven persons - $5,826; eight persons - $5,956; nine persons - $6,085; ten persons - $6,215; eleven persons - $6,671. In households over eleven persons, the income limit is increased by $520 for each additional person.
Anyone living in federally subsidized housing or is enrolled in Section 8 Voucher/Certificate Program where heat is included in the rent is not eligible. Applications have been mailed to previous HEAP households with individuals who are 60 years and older or disabled, and/or with a child under 6 years of age. Persons over 60 and the disabled who have not previously received HEAP can apply by calling the County Office for the Aging at (845) 364-2101.
Residents can apply online by logging onto MyBenefits.ny.gov. New HEAP applicants will be seen by appointment only. Appointments will not be taken until Nov. 16. To request an appointment, call the Department of Social Services at 364-3480 or 364-3212, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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