The
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) was first authorized by Congress
during the 1979-1980 congressional session.
It was established as a response to the drastic escalation of costs
for heat and energy products during the mid to late 1970s.
Categorical eligibility has been established for recipients of Family
Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, and Supplemental Security Income as well
as certain Food Stamp households. Non-Public
Assistance households apply separately.
Eligibility for this program
is based on the income of the entire household and there is no
resource/asset test for the regular non-emergency component of the program.
Administration
of each county’s HEAP program is the responsibility of the local district.
This includes fiscal responsibility for the program and its
administrative costs, all of which are 100%
federally reimbursed through the State.
Flexibility does exist to contract out various administrative
functions. The Washington
County Office for the Aging and the Economic Opportunity Council assist this
agency with the administration of this program.
DSS
began its twenty-forth (24) year of the local operation of this program in
October. As of
December 31, 2004
, $975,031 had been allocated and advanced to Washington
County
for this program.
At
the conclusion of 2004, there were 2,759
households open on the HEAP program.
Traditionally at least 50% of
our HEAP population are elderly members of the community.
You may not apply for a
Regular HEAP benefit until the 2008-2009 HEAP
season is open. The Regular Benefit of the 2008-2009 HEAP program will open
on November 3, 2008. HEAP Applications will not be made available until
November 3, 2008.
The Emergency Benefit
component of the 2007-2008 HEAP program is closed. You may not apply for an
Emergency HEAP Benefit until the 2008-2009 HEAP season is open. The
Emergency Benefit of the 2008-2009 HEAP program will open on November 3,
2008.
2008 - 2009 Home Energy
Assistance Program (HEAP) Desk Guide
Questions regarding the
HEAP program should be directed to the
Washington County Social Services
Office or to the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
