County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced Tuesday that the Westchester County Department of Social Services is accepting applications from income-eligible residents in need of help paying heating bills.

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 $50,628 annually and still qualify for a HEAP benefit.

"Last winter, more than 36,000 households in Westchester County received some assistance through the HEAP program," Astorino said. "I urge low-income families to look into whether they qualify, so they can get some needed help when it comes to paying their energy bills."

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 at www.westchestergov.com/heap.

Anyone who received a HEAP benefit last season must submit the HEAP renewal application received in the mail to re-qualify. Anyone who was receiving ongoing Temporary Assistance (Cash) or SNAP (Food Stamps) on Sept. 10, 2014 and remains active through Nov. 30, 2014 is automatically eligible and does not have to file an application. Households with cases opened after Sept. 10, 2014 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 do not 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 will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2015.

Consult the table below for current eligibility guidelines.

Each additional, add $508.