Nov. 16, 2015 -- The Westchester County Department of Social Services is now accepting applications from income-eligible people in need of some help paying heating bills, County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced.
The funds are available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federally funded program. The maximum regular benefit an eligible household can receive is $625 for homes that heat with oil, kerosene or propane, and $400 for all others. A family of four can have a household income of up to $51,792 annually and still qualify for a HEAP benefit.
"Last winter, more than 40,000 households in Westchester County received some assistance through the HEAP program," Astorino said. "I urge low-income families to look into whether they qualify."
To find out more about eligibility, call United Way's 2-1-1 or the Department of Social Services HEAP unit at (914) 995-5619. You may also check your eligibility by going to www.myBenefits.ny.gov. Applications can be downloaded from the county's website at www.westchestergov.com/heap.
Anyone who received a HEAP benefit last season must submit the HEAP application received in the mail to re-qualify. Anyone who was receiving ongoing Temporary Assistance (Cash) or SNAP (Food Stamps) on Sept. 10, 2015 and remains active through November 30, 2015 is automatically eligible and does not have to file an application. Households with cases opened after September 10, 2015 must complete a form obtained from the local Social Services district office or by calling (914) 995-5619.
HEAP also offers benefits for households that have heat-related emergencies but don't have the resources needed to resolve them. Assistance is available to repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. Applications for this emergency assistance are now open.
Consult the table below for current eligibility guidelines.
Household Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1: $2,244
2: $2,935
3: $3,625
4: $4,316
5: $5,006
6: $5,697
7: $5,826
8: $5,956
9: $6,085
10: $6,215
11: $6,671
Each additional Add $520