Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP),
Day Care Assistance, Homeless Services, Em-ployment Services, Emergency Assistance, Fraud Reporting, Child Abuse & Neglect, Pre-ventive Services, Foster Care, Adoption Services, Adult Protective Services, Child Support Services, Central Assessment Program.

Provides monetary assistance for shut-off notices from utility companies.

Customers can only receive $100.00 per year. Example: If you apply in March, you have to wait until next March for more assistance.

Please call 716-373-0815 for further assistance.

Utility Assistance

The HEAP Program usually opens the first week in November of each year and continues through the heating season.

If your GROSS Monthly income is at or below the income guidelines listed below, you may be eligible to receive help with your heating costs. If you are 60 years of age, and think you may be eligible, you may call (518)-270-2738 after November 1st to obtain more information.

•Eligible households may receive only one regular HEAP benefit each season.

•Eligible households may also receive an emergency benefit.

•Additional benefits for emergency situations may be available, depending on the household's circumstances.

2009-2010 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Income Limits For HEAP

Number in

Household HEAP Income Limit

Starting November 2, 2009

1- $2,030

2- $2,657

3- $3,279

4- $3,903

5- $4,528

6- $5,152

7- $5,269

8- $5,386

9- $5,503

10- $5,620

11- $6,029

11+- +$468

Regular Benefits:

•Renter's Benefit - HEAP Eligible renters with heat included in their rent may receive a standard renter's benefit, which will be paid directly to the household.

•Heater's Benefit - HEAP Eligible homeowners or renters who pay for heat directly to a vendor separately from the rent may receive a heater's benefit. This MUST be paid to the fuel vendor.

Ineligible Living Situations:

Residents in the following living situations cannot receive HEAP:

•Public/subsidized housing with heat included in rent

Includes Section 8 and other rent subsidies based on the tenant's income

•Roomers/borders in private residences

•Temporary Hotel/Motel

•Homeless

•Residing in a Congregate care facility

•Institutions

.

Office for Aging runs the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides certification services to Broome County residents 60+ yrs or disabled persons <60 yrs on SSI or SSD who meet income guidelines for financial assistance with energy costs. Can also provide referrals for fuel or utility emergencies.

This fund was created when NYSEG and RG&E combined their heating funds. Project SHARE is designed to help low income customers as well as active members of the military and veterans who are facing energy emergencies. Applicant must have an active NYSEG or RG&E account in their name, must have an active disconnect notice, must meet the HEAP income guideline except active duty military members and well-discharged veterans may qualify regardless of income. NYSEG customers should visit nyseg.com for more information. RG&E customers should visit rge.com. Customers should click on "Giving Back" and then on "In the Community."

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP), operated by NYSEG, provides payment assistance to customers if they have fallen behind on their electric or gas bill and are within income guidelines.

Programs offered include: Budget Billing, Deferred Payment Agreements, Extra Security Plan, Good Neighbor Fund, Life Support Apparatus Program, Help During Hospitalization, and Third Party Notification.

Utility services.

The NYS Energy Research and Development Authority operates EmPower New York, which is a service that provides new Energy Star replacement refrigerators and freezers. The program will also add insulation to homes and offer tips on how to save energy. The program does not provide roofs, windows or stoves. Eligibility: The homeowner must be eligible for HEAP. Those who heat with other sources of fuel should send a copy of their HEAP benefit letter along with the EmPower application.