Low Income Households Have Until Nov. 16 to Apply for Home Heating Help

COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

Rockland County announced this week that families with low incomes can apply for heating assistance this winter through New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) starting on Monday, November 16, 2015. HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), is a federally-funded program that provides up to $625 for eligible households to pay for energy costs in order to keep homes warm during the winter.

“HEAP offers a vital lifeline to the many individuals and families who will struggle to pay their heating bills,” said County Executive Ed Day. “With winter approaching, it is critical to get this assistance to those who need it most.”

The benefit is dependent on income and family size, and payments go directly to the utility company.  The grant for families varies according to size of household. To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,244.  Eligible income limits for larger households are:  two persons – $2,935; three persons – $3,625; four persons – $4,316; five persons – $5,006; six persons – $5,697; seven persons – $5,826; eight persons – $5,956; nine persons – $6,085; ten persons – $6,215; eleven persons – $6,671.  In households over eleven persons, the income limit is increased by $520 for each additional person.

Anyone living in federally subsidized housing or is enrolled in Section 8 Voucher/Certificate Program where heat is included in the rent is not eligible.

Applications have been mailed to previous HEAP households with individuals who are 60 years and older or disabled, and/or with a child under 6 years of age.  Persons over 60 and the disabled who have not previously received HEAP can apply by calling the County Office for the Aging at (845) 364-2101.

An interview is not required for HEAP applicants who received a HEAP benefit in the 2014-2015 season and continue to reside in the same county.