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 White Plains, NY - Westchester County is now taking applications for its home heating assistance program. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help seniors on fixed incomes or low income residents pay for electricity, oil, gas, wood, kerosene, propane or coal heating.
“Last year, we were able to help more than 10,400 Westchester households,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “This year, while we’ve seen a drop in oil prices from the highs this summer, prices are still up from what they were last year at this time. With the economy the way it is, homeowners on fixed or low incomes are going to need even more help this year. I urge individuals and families who qualify to apply right away.”
The federally funded HEAP program, administered by the county Department of Social Services, assists eligible low-income, elderly and disabled persons with their home-heating costs. The amount of payments will vary depending upon what type of fuel is used and on whether heat is included in rent payments. Generally, those who qualify can get up to $800 off their oil bills or $585 for other fuels such as natural gas.
The county began taking applications from new applicants on Nov. 3, but those who have received assistance in past years were automatically sent applications starting in September. About half of those applications have already been processed.
Last winter, Westchester households that qualified for assistance received a combined total of $1,313,225 from the program. Exactly how much money will be available this year depends on how cold the winter is and how great the need is. The state, which funnels the federal funds to Westchester, announced that because there is more funding for the program this year people with higher incomes who previously would not have qualified for assistance, may be eligible for emergency assistance through HEAP starting Jan. 1.
Changes to the 2008-09 HEAP program also include:
Increasing benefits to $800 for eligible households heating with oil, propane or kerosene,
Raising the maximum regular benefit to $585 for all other eligible households that incur a heating expense
Temporary Assistance as well as Food Stamp customers can apply for HEAP by contacting their case managers. In addition, the elderly, disabled and SSI recipients not receiving Temporary Assistance and Food Stamps may receive assistance in applying for HEAP by calling (914) 995-5619.
All others should call 211 to find out if you meet income guidelines, or to get more information about HEAP. Applications can be downloaded from the county’s website at www.westchestergov.com
Consult the table below to see if you meet current income guidelines.
Household
Size / Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1 $1,963.00
2 $2,567.00
3 $3,172.00
4 $3,776.00
5 $4,380.00
6 $4,984.00
7 $5,097.00
8 $5,210.00
9 $5,324.00
10 $5,437.00
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