Assemblymember Sam Hoyt
Reminds Western New York Residents
that Home Heating Assistance
is Available.
Winter’s
cold weather is right around the corner, and with it comes higher home heating
bills. Thankfully, the HEAP program will again provide financial assistance to
qualified Western New York residents to help pay for those higher energy costs.
HEAP,
or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides grants for heating
bills ranging from $40 to $400 to eligible low-income seniors, those with
disabilities and working families, all of whom are hard hit by the rise in
energy costs. New York’s program provides regular and emergency benefits and
both renters and home owners may be eligible.
Eligibility
is based on a household’s income, living arrangement, heating expenses, young,
old or disabled family members, and type of heat. For instance, a family of four that pays for its heat
directly and has a gross monthly income of less than $3,325 could receive
between $150 and $400. An elderly couple that doesn’t pay directly for heat
and makes less than $2,261 could see between $40 and $50.
To
receive an application or find out if you are eligible for HEAP benefits,
contact the Erie County Department of Social Services at 858-8000
or call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can
also visit www.otda.state.ny.us and download an application off the Office of
Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site.
The
cold weather can put a strain on families living on tight budgets. The HEAP
program is available to help the elderly, working families and others who are
stung by rising home heating costs. Find out if you qualify today, and make this
coming winter as safe and warm as possible.