The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of six components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP, Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR), Cooling, and the Clean and Tune benefit.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CURRENT PROGRAM DATES, INCOME AND RESOURCE GUIDELINES
VISIT THE: NYS HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) WEBSITE
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for the program is based on income and one’s housing situation. Individuals must:
- either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs
- be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to apply.
HEAP money is limited. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March.
Regular HEAP:
There are no resource eligibility criteria for Regular HEAP. Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household's primary source of heat. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and one’s shelter situation. Typically, it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.
Emergency HEAP:
Emergency benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than ¼ tank oil, kerosene or propane, or have less than 10 days’ supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary and typically, are a one-time only benefit during the program year.
If you have already exhausted your regular HEAP benefit, you may call the office to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone.
- Emergency HEAP: (315) 435-8295
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR):
HERR benefits are available to help low income homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers, and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. Homeowners must reside in the home AND all applicants receive a standard resource exclusion of $3000. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace your furnance, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment--$4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.
Clean and Tune
Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.
Cooling Assistance Benefit:
If eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. You may not have already received a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years. Please contact local HEAP office for full eligibility requirements.
What to Expect:
If you qualify your HEAP payment will be sent to your fuel/utility provider. It generally takes up to 3 months for the credit to appear on your bill.
After Hour Emergency:
For after hour heating emergencies please call: 211CNY (formerly Helpline) by dialing 211 or 1-844-245-1922.
Helpful Websites:
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