Home Energy Assistance to Stay Warm this Winter

As temperatures drop this winter, many local residents may need heating assistance to stay warm during the cold months, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

You may know someone in need so I am hoping you can pass this information along.

Our communities are made strong by our many caring and devoted neighbors who look out for one another. With many of our family, friends, and neighbors working hard but still struggling to afford their utility bills, or retired and on a fixed income, it is important that they know help is available to meet this most basic need.

Seniors on fixed incomes whose finances are already stretched thin are among those most in need who may not be aware of their options.

These individuals can now apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), either online at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap or at their local social services office by the December 31, 2014, deadline.

Monthly income eligibility thresholds are:

•$2,194 for a one-person household
•$2,869 for a two-person household
•$3,544 for a three-person household
•$4,219 for a four-person household

At otda.ny.gov/programs/heap, one can check their eligibility and confirm whether or not they qualify for up to $625 in HEAP assistance for this winter.

Depending on one’s county of residence, applicants can also call their local office at:

Chautauqua County

Department of Social Services: 716-753-4385
Office for the Aging: 716-363-4471

Cattaraugus County

Department of Social Services: 716-373-8065
Office for the Aging: 716-701-8032

Allegany County

Department of Social Services: 585-268-9622
Office for the Aging: 585-268-9390

Livingston County

Department of Social Services: 585-243-7300
Office for the Aging: 585-243-7520

A complete list of all local contacts for help with HEAP is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/HEAP-contacts.pdf.

Finally, if someone's HEAP runs out and heat is lost during the winter, they can apply for Emergency HEAP after January 2.

By sharing this important information with our family, friends, and neighbors, we can all have a warm and safe winter.

Warmest regards,

Senator Cathy Young
57th District