Syracuse, New York (WSYR-TV) - Monday is the first day to apply in person for HEAP. That's the Federal “Home Energy Assistance Program,” set up to help you pay for your home heating costs.
This year, New York received more than $500 million from the feds to distribute to HEAP recipients. That's more money than ever before.
HEAP is based on a point system depending on your income, how many people are in your house, the type of heat you have, and what's called an energy-burden ratio.
Last year, each point got you $60 in heating assistance. This year, that amount is higher, $65 per point.
If you live alone, your gross annual income can't exceed $23,556, for a two person household it's $30,804 and for a family of four the maximum gross annual income is $45,312.
What's also new this year is, if you're eligible for HEAP and you heat your home with oil, propane or kerosene, you'll receive a flat $800 benefit. That's a huge increase from last year and the state believes it should be plenty for you to fill your tanks.
Marie Grace, Onondaga County HEAP Coordinator, “They were very worried that prices were really high when HEAP was in the planning stages. They were worried our regular HEAP benefits would not provide a minimum delivery and it was a big concern for the state.”
Grace's main concern as the program begins will be making sure that people who have had their heat turned off or are being threatened with an immediate shut-off are the first to receive their benefits.
She says if you aren't in that situation, or if you're already on temporary assistance or receive food stamps, you don't need to sign up on the first day. You can call the HEAP office and set up an appointment. There is plenty of money for everyone.
Grace had one very important message for people over 60. HEAP is not based on the money you may have saved in the bank. You can have money saved up and, based on your social security and other income, still be eligible for HEAP. Once you're eligible for heap, seniors are also eligible for Verizon lifeline and the county's weatherization program.
