Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded energy assistance program. New York's grant is allocated among OTDA for a heating benefit program, the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal for weatherization activities, and the State Office for the Aging for outreach and referral activities. Applications are taken at all local departments of social services.

The HEAP Program usually opens the first week in November of each year and continues through the heating season. If your GROSS Monthly income is at or below the income guidelines listed below, you may be eligible to receive help with your heating costs. If you think you may be eligible, you may call (518)-270-3935 after November 1st to obtain more information or you may contact the New York State Web site at http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/.

• Eligible households may receive only one regular HEAP benefit each season.
• Eligible households may also receive an emergency benefit.
• Additional benefits for emergency situations may be available, depending on the household's circumstances.

Income Limits For HEAP(11/1/07-9/30/08)

Number in Household	Tier I	Tier II
1	0 - $1,106	$1,107 - $1,876
2	0 - $1,483	$1,484 - $2,454
3	0 - $1,860	$1,861 - $3,031
4	0 - $2,237	$2,238 - $3,609
5	0 - $2,614	$2,615 - $4,186
6	0 - $2,991	$2,992 - $4,763
7	0 - $3,368	$3,369 - $4,871
8	0 - $3,745	$3,746 - $4,980
9	0 - $4,122	$4,123 - $5,088
10	0 - $4,499	$4,500 - $5,196
11	0 - $4,876	$4,877 - $5,626
11+	+ $377	+$435

If you would like to print an application from your computer to complete and bring into our office for a face-to-face interview, or if you would like to see if you qualify to file an application through the Internet please visit the NYS Office Of Temporary and Disability Assistance through the link below.
http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/HEAPapp.htm

Regular Benefits:

• Renter's Benefit - HEAP Eligible renters with heat included in their rent may receive a standard renter's benefit, which will be paid directly to the household.
• Heater's Benefit - HEAP Eligible homeowners or renters who pay for heat directly to a vendor separately from the rent may receive a heater's benefit. This MUST be paid to the fuel vendor.

Ineligible Living Situations:
Residents in the following living situations cannot receive HEAP:

• Public/subsidized housing with heat included in rent
  Includes Section 8 and other rent subsidies based on the tenant's income
• Roomers/borders in private residences
• Temporary Hotel/Motel
• Homeless
• Residing in a Congregate care facility
• Institutions

FUEL VENDORS: If you are a fuel vendor and would like to become a Rensselaer County HEAP DEALER, please contact Susan Stanton at (518)-270-3923 or e-mail Susan.Stanton@dfa.state.ny.us for more information