Utility Assistance

This program issues heating benefits to supplement a household's annual energy cost by submitting a one-time payment directly to your heat supplier. Additionally, there is a one-time emergency benefit for households that have a no heat emergency situation. Eligible persons are able to apply for this benefit during our Benefit Assistance Program that is held on the second Friday of each month. Please contact our office directly to schedule an appointment at 459-5051, ext. 2.

Fuel Dealer. Fuel type provided: Kerosene, Blend and Oil.

Food vouchers, utility assistance, partial rent assistance possible

The Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs.

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.

A program designed to help eligible households with heating and utility costs and with certain essential home heating equipment repairs. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Certain households such as Public Assistance, Food Stamp and Supplemental Security Income recipients may be categorically eligible.

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

.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of three components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP and Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the program is based on income (see income guidelines below) and housing situation. Individuals must either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs. Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to apply. HEAP money is limited. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March.

Regular HEAP

There are no resource eligibility criteria for Regular HEAP. Regular benefit amounts range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency HEAP

Emergency benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than ¼ tank oil, kerosene or propane or have less than 10 days’ supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

If you have already exhausted your regular HEAP benefit you may call the office at 435-8295 to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone.

Onondaga County Office Building

Energy Assistance Unit - 7th Floor

600 S. State Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

(Monday-Friday)

Phone: (315) 435-8295

Primary FAX: (315) 435-8544

Secondary FAX: (315) 435-2735

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."