Overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HEAP is a federally funded program that helps low to middle-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.
Eligibility and benefits are based on several factors, including your income, household size, the source used to heat your home and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, is age 60 or older or is permanently disabled.
You can apply for HEAP online by visiting myBenefits.ny.gov. There also are local offices throughout my district where you can apply and get more information about the program:
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Oneida County Department of Social Services by calling (315) 356-2840 (Rome) or (315) 798-5559 (Utica)
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Chenango County Department of Social Services by calling (607) 337-1500. Madison County Department of Social Services by calling (315) 366-2211.
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Herkimer County Department of Social Services by calling (315) 867-1220.
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Additionally, an Emergency HEAP benefit opens Jan. 2, 2025. You may be eligible for this benefit if you are in danger of having your heat or other utilities shut off or if your fuel source has run out.
The colder months can be a difficult time for some when it comes to making sure they can cover the costs of heating their homes. HEAP is a valuable tool that can help many in the state stay warm this winter and I hope that those who need it will take advantage of this program this season.
