Question: I saw a big add in the newspaper about HEAP. I didn’t think I qualified, but my income is pretty close to that amount. How to get the application?

Question: I saw a big add in the newspaper about HEAP. I didn’t think I qualified, but my income is pretty close to that amount. How to get the application?

Answer: HEAP is Home Energy Assistance Program. This is a program for lower income individuals and families, which provides help with energy costs in your home. The benefit is a one-time payment to your heating utility company. The HEAP season runs from November to usually late March. The HEAP season just opened so now is the perfect time to apply.

For those that are over 60, and have received HEAP last year, you automatically are contacted to verify your information. This contact is your opportunity to update DHHS to any changes in your household, income, & living situation. Once you verify that information and return it to DHHS, your benefit will be determined. If you feel that you were not contacted, feel free to follow the directions for those that are new to HEAP.

For those that are new to this benefit, you must complete an application and that can be done a couple of ways. You can apply on line at the www.mybenefits.ny.gov website, or get a paper application from the Local County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). Once that paper application is complete you return it to your DHHS office.

The criteria for being eligible includes an income limit, which is currently $2,494 per month for an individual, $3,262 per month for a couple. If you have more than two in your family, the income limit continues to go up per person. I have found many working families and seniors are eligible for this benefit, so it is definitely worth looking into. A family of four can make up to $4,797 per month and still be eligible for HEAP.

If you feel your income is close to or just above the monthly income limit, it is still worth looking into. As you complete the application, there are opportunities for you to disclose expenses that may offset your income. This means some people making slightly more than the monthly incomes listed previously may still be eligible to receive HEAP. Your expenses like Health Insurance Premiums and others are expenses that reduce your net income for HEAP calculations.

The amount of HEAP benefit you could receive is between $21 and $675 depending on the type of heat/utility you have and your income levels. Remember that this one-time payment is usually made directly to your utility provider. This can really help stretch your energy dollars in a heating season.

As I mentioned earlier, you can apply for the HEAP benefit a couple of ways; the first is a HEAP paper application. You can get this application from the local Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) office by walking in and asking for an application or calling and requesting an application be mailed to you (716-753-4385). You can download a HEAP application from www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Once downloaded and printed you would mail your completed application to the local DHHS office.

A faster and relatively easy way to apply is to use the website at www.mybenefits.ny.gov to complete the entire application on-line. This on-line version is submitted automatically to the local DHHS office and then their staff contacts you with questions or clarification issues. For those that are comfortable using a computer, or have someone they trust who is good with a computer these newer options can be very useful. I remind you to use someone you trust because you are giving them a lot of VERY personal information. These websites are safe and secure, but the information you are giving the person helping you is usually information we recommend not giving out to anyone.

HEAP is a benefit that allows you to stretch your dollars further during the winter months. Wishing you a warm and safe winter!

To contact Janell Sluga, GCMC with questions or concerns, please call 716-720-9797 or e-mail at janells@lutheran-jamestown.org.