FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 16, 2017

Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications
Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645
lernerj@co.rockland.ny.us or
Bryan Messinger, DSS (845) 364-3180

HEAP Applications Available to Rockland Residents

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County families with low incomes can apply for grants to help pay for their heating bills under New York State's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

"HEAP offers a lifeline to the many individuals and families who 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 amount of the benefit depends on income and family size. Payments are made directly to the utility company.

To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,318. Monthly income limits for larger households are:

• two persons - $3,031.
• three persons - $3,744.
• four persons - $4,457.
• five persons - $5,170.
• six persons - $5,883.
• seven persons - $6,017.
• eight persons - $6,150.
• nine persons - $6,284.
• ten persons - $6,418.
• eleven persons - $6,733.
• In households over eleven persons, the income limit is increased by $523 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.

An interview is not required for HEAP applicants who received a HEAP benefit in the 2016-2017 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 $726 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, propane and $401 for gas and electric. Regular HEAP applications must be received no later than March 15, 2018 or until program funds are exhausted. During this period, residents can apply online by logging onto www.MyBenefits.ny.gov .

New HEAP applicants will be seen by appointment only. To request an appointment, call the Department of Social Services at 845-364-3480 or 845-364-3212, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

These organizations can assist clients with completing a HEAP application:

• Community Improvement Council (Spring Valley) 845-354-4100
• Community Outreach Center (Monsey) 845-356-9600
• WestCOP (Haverstraw) 845-728-0688

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 2016 taxes and three months of your 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 $675 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, propane and $490 for gas and electric. Applications for Emergency HEAP will be accepted from January 2, 2018 through March 15, 2018, or until program funds are exhausted.

Residents who have received a Termination Notice should fax the notice to the HEAP Unit at 845-364-3130 or they can email a copy of the notice to RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us

Everyone should provide a daytime contact phone number along with the Termination Notice. Temporary Assistance and SNAP recipients should also include their Temporary Assistance or SNAP Case Number. Individuals will be contacted for an Emergency HEAP phone interview