FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2015
Contact:  Scott Salotto (845) 638-5645
                Ruth Masterson (845) 364-3165 (DSS)

 COUNTY EXECUTIVE DAY: HOME HEATING HELP AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS

Low Income Households May Apply On November 16th

NEW CITY, NY  --  Rockland County Executive Ed Day today announced that families with low incomes can apply for heating assistance this winter through New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) starting on Monday, November 16, 2015. HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), is a federally-funded program that provides up to $625 for eligible households to pay for energy costs in order to keep homes warm during the winter.

"HEAP offers a vital lifeline to the many individuals and families who will struggle to pay their heating bills," said County Executive Day. "With winter approaching, it is critical to get this assistance to those who need it most."

The benefit is dependent on income and family size, and payments go directly to the utility company.  The grant for families varies according to size of household. To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,244.  Eligible income limits for larger households are:  two persons - $2,935; three persons - $3,625; four persons - $4,316; five persons - $5,006; six persons - $5,697; seven persons - $5,826; eight persons - $5,956; nine persons - $6,085; ten persons - $6,215; eleven persons - $6,671.  In households over eleven persons, the income limit is increased by $520 for each additional person.

Anyone living in federally subsidized housing or is enrolled in Section 8 Voucher/Certificate Program where heat is included in the rent is not eligible.

Applications have been mailed to previous HEAP households with individuals who are 60 years and older or disabled, and/or with a child under 6 years of age.  Persons over 60 and the disabled who have not previously received HEAP can apply by calling the County Office for the Aging at (845) 364-2101.

An interview is not required for HEAP applicants who received a HEAP benefit in the 2014-2015 season and continue to reside in the same county.

Regular HEAP:  Residents do not have to be facing a shut off to receive a regular HEAP benefit.  The one-time regular benefit ranges from a $30-$35 renters benefit to a maximum of $625 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, propane and $400 for gas and electric.  Regular HEAP applications must be received not before November 16, 2015 and no later than March 15, 2016.  During this period, residents can apply online by logging onto www.MyBenefits.ny.gov.

New HEAP applicants will be seen by appointment only.  Appointments will not be taken until November 16, 2015.  To request an appointment, call the Department of Social Services at    364-3480 or 364-3212, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call the following outreach offices after November 15th:

• Community Improvement Council (Spring Valley) 354-4100
• Community Outreach Center (Monsey) 356-9600
• Rockland Community Development Council (Monsey) 352-1400

Applicants must bring proof that they are U.S. citizens or resident aliens; their latest fuel bill, shut-off notice, if applicable; rent receipt or mortgage statement; birth certificates, social security and alien cards for the entire household; last four pay stubs; proof of other income, SSI, SSA, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Comp, etc.; proof of child support; and wages or school schedule for all children in the household 18 years of age and over.  If you are self-employed, in addition to the above, you must bring your 2014 taxes and three months most recent business and personal bank records.

Emergency HEAP:  A one-time emergency benefit may also be available for those households that are without the means to pay their bill and who have received a Termination Notice from their utility provider.  The emergency benefit ranges from a $140 renters benefit to a maximum of $575 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, propane and $490 for gas and electric. Applications for Emergency HEAP will be accepted from January 4, 2016 through March 15, 2016.

Residents who have received a Termination Notice should fax the notice to the HEAP Unit at 364-3130. Please include a contact phone number on the Notice.  Temporary Assistance and SNAP recipients should also include their Temporary Assistance or SNAP Case Number.  Individuals will be contacted for a phone interview.  Outreach locations do not handle Termination Notices.