Suffolk County is now processing applications for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP.
HEAP is a federally funded program that helps renters and homeowners keep their homes warm by covering the costs of electricity, wood, kerosene, coal, oil, propane, natural gas or other heating fuels. The program also offers funds to eligible families for any repairs and necessary home-heating equipment.
The application for regular HEAP benefits is now open. Eligibility for the program is based on income, household size, primary heating source and whether a member of the household is under the age of 6, over the age of 60
or permanently disabled, with applications for assistance accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year, a family of four that has a household income of up to $4,797 a month may qualify for help and each household can receive up to $726 in assistance.
Applications for an extra emergency benefit open on Jan. 2 and are available to households that are in danger of having their service shut off or have run out of fuel.
Applications can be obtained online from the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance or calling Legislator Al Krupski’s office at (631) 852-3200.
Those who do not meet the criteria may contact the Suffolk County Department of Social Service’s HEAP Unit at (631) 853-8820.
Those experiencing heating and utility emergencies should call one of the following DSS Emergency and Utility Centers:
Riverhead: (631) 852-3631
Smithtown: (631) 853-8847
Southwest: (631) 854-6684 or (631) 854-6685
Some individuals may also qualify for the heating equipment and repair program or the”clean and tune” program. Please call Suffolk County Office of the Aging for HEAP hotline at (631) 853-8326 for more information.
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