The average price of home heating oil has moderated in recent weeks but the season's first heating bills still can sting, especially in this time of growing unemployment and economic uncertainty.
Every year, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum receives calls from New Yorkers who find it hard to pay for
heating their homes. For low-income New Yorkers, help may be available through the Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP. This federally-funded program gives grants to eligible homeowners and renters to pay the cost of utilities, including heating oil and boiler or furnace repair. HEAP also provides emergency grants to families facing an energy emergency, such as the gas or heat being shut-off and are unable to pay their bill. The funds may be used to pay electric bills as well as the costs of propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal or other heating fuel.
The city Human Resources Administration (HRA) oversees the program in New York City. Last season, HRA gave out more than 466,000 grants ranging from $40 to $540 for a total of about $32 million.
General information about HEAP is here including a a HEAP eligibility table relating to income. The current guideline for gross monthly income for a household of four, for example, is no more than $3,776.
Are you eligible for HEAP?
Use the HEAP pre-screening eligibility tool. Be aware, however, that this is not a HEAP application.
And here is a HEAP application form. [pdf]
For a list of documents needed to apply for a HEAP grant, click here. [pdf]
More information:
The application form includes this highly important notice: "...There is limited money available for HEAP benefit payments. Once available money is used up, no benefits will be issued and the program will close. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you complete and return your application as soon as possible. Be aware that in past years the program has closed down as early as March 12."
The HEAP telephone number is 800-692-0557. The city Heat Line for the homebound is 212-331-3150. Or call HRA's Department of Social Services infoline at 877-472-8411. You also may call the Office of the Public Advocate at 212-669-7250.
A list of HEAP office locations can be found here. [pdf]
A useful link is Heat Smart, New York.
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