PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HEAP 2021-2022

As hard as it is to believe, not only is it is that time of year again to think ahead for your next heating season but this year the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season is opening early. The regular HEAP season will open on October 1, 2021 this year.  Now is the time to talk to your heating vendors and ask about their pre-pay and budget billing plans.

Qualifying seniors can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and receive help with rising fuel costs.  Because the regular HEAP benefit is intended to be a one-time supplement to annual energy costs and not meant to replace personal payments, individuals should continue to pay energy bills.

Any individual, age 60 and over, not on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)– formerly known as Food Stamps New York–or Temporary Assistance (TA) and was approved for HEAP last year, was automatically sent an application for the 2021-2022 heating season by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).  Make sure to complete the application and return it to the designated location printed on the application for processing as soon as possible.  Benefits vary depending on household size, income, and main heating source.  Payments will not be made before October 1, 2021 and until federal funds are available.

Households who did not automatically receive an application may apply for a regular HEAP benefit by submitting their application electronically through MyBenefits at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.  If anyone (non-SNAP or TA recipient age 60 and over) needs to be added to the mailing list to receive an application for the new heating season or wants more information, simply call (607) 832-5750 or write to HEAP Dept., Delaware County Office for the Aging, 97 Main Street Suite 2, Delhi NY 13753.

New applicants cannot receive packets or apply electronically until after program start-up on October 1, 2021.

 

Refer to the following chart for current gross monthly income guidelines:

 

Household Size          Maximum Monthly Income

1                                $2,729

2                                $3,569

3                                $4,409

4                                $5,249

5                                $6,088

6                                $6,928

7                                $7,086

8                                $7,243

9                                $7,401

10                              $7,558

11                              $7,715

For households over 11, add $568 to the maximum monthly income.