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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP Program Information
The Regular Benefit component of the 2007-2008 HEAP program is closed. You may not apply for a Regular HEAP benefit until the 2008-2009 HEAP season is open. The Regular Benefit of the 2008-2009 HEAP program will open on November 3, 2008. HEAP Applications will not be made available until November 3, 2008.
The Emergency Benefit component of the 2007-2008 HEAP program is closed. You may not apply for an Emergency HEAP Benefit until the 2008-2009 HEAP season is open. The Emergency Benefit of the 2008-2009 HEAP program will open on November 3, 2008.
The Furnace Repair and Replacement component of the 2007-2008 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is open effective Monday, October 1, 2007 until close of business Tuesday, September 30, 2008. The 2008-2009 season will open on October 1, 2008.
Comments received during the 2008-09 HEAP State Plan Public Hearings
A summary of comments on the HEAP program received during the 2008-2009 HEAP State Plan Public Hearings are available for review. The 2008-09 Needs Assessment Public Hearings were held in Albany, Syracuse, and Manhattan, NY in July 2008 to elicit public comment on the 2008-2009 HEAP State Plan.
HEAP Funded 2008 Cooling Component
A limited amount of federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds have been made available for the purchase and installation of energy efficient air conditioners to eligible individuals during the summer of 2008.
To be eligible for the program, a household must meet existing HEAP income guidelines and have at least one member that suffers from an acute medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Written documentation from a physician clearly indicating the need for an air conditioner is required and must be dated within the previous six months.
Local social services districts are targeting outreach to medically needy households that would receive the greatest benefit from cooling services. New York City agencies are working collaboratively to target outreach to the neediest households.
New York City households should direct inquiries to the New York City 311 helpline. Outside New York City, inquiries should be directed to the local weatherization subgrantee list.
Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your County Social Services Office or to the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
HEAP Program Information
Background
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. Applications are taken at all local departments of social services. For information on where to apply, call 1-800-342-3009.
Targeted Households
New York's benefit program is structured in such a way that higher benefits are provided to those households that have larger percentages of their income spent on energy costs, contain a vulnerable individual, and have the lowest income.
Vulnerable individuals are defined as children under the age of 6, adults aged 60 or older, or disabled individuals.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the program is based on income and your housing situation. Your total gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following:
2008-2009 Income Guidelines
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,963 |
| 2 | $2,567 |
| 3 | $3,172 |
| 4 | $3,776 |
| 5 | $4,380 |
| 6 | $4,984 |
| 7 | $5,097 |
| 8 | $5,210 |
| 9 | $5,324 |
| 10 | $5,437 |
| 11 | $5,800 |
| Each Additional Person: Add $450 | |
2008-2009 Income guidelines are effective from 10/01/08 through 09/31/09.
2007-2008 Income Guidelines
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,876 |
| 2 | $2,454 |
| 3 | $3,031 |
| 4 | $3,609 |
| 5 | $4,186 |
| 6 | $4,763 |
| 7 | $4,871 |
| 8 | $4,980 |
| 9 | $5,088 |
| 10 | $5,196 |
| 11 | $5,626 |
| Each Additional Person: Add $435 | |
2007-2008 Income guidelines are effective from 10/01/07 through 09/30/08.
You must also live in an eligible housing situation. This generally means that you must either pay directly for heating costs or must pay rent that includes heating costs. If you live in subsidized housing, you must pay heating costs separately from your rent. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.