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HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

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 SNAP (formally known as Food Stamps) 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. Washington County has administered the HEAP program for over 30 years.

At the conclusion of 2011, there were 2,823 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 2012 – 2013 HEAP season is open. The Regular Benefit of the 2012 – 2013 HEAP program will open on November 19, 2012. HEAP Applications will not be made available until November 19, 2012.

The Emergency Benefit component of the 2012 – 2013 HEAP program is closed. The Emergency Benefit of the 2012 – 2013 HEAP program will open on January 2, 2013. This year the furnace repair and replacement program opened on October 1, 2012. All Heap programs are scheduled to close March 15, 2013.

2012 - 2013 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Desk Guide pdf

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.

To apply for HEAP, access an online HEAP application or for more information please visit:   http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/apply/ *

*Links to external sites are provided as a convenience. 
Washington County has no control over the format or content of any information found on any external site.

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