FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2021

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) Extended to April 30, 2021

2nd Emergency Benefit Added

New City, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Department of Social Services Commissioner Joan Silvestri announce that families with limited income can still 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 individuals and families who struggle to pay their heating bills,” said Commissioner Joan Silvestri. “The extension of the HEAP program to April 30th and adding the 2^nd Emergency HEAP benefit will help get much needed assistance out to those who need it most.”

The amount of the benefit depends on income and family size and payments are made directly to the utility company. To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,610. Monthly income limits for larger households are as follows:

Note: Anyone living in federally subsidized housing or is enrolled in the Section 8 Voucher/Certificate Program where heat is included in the rent, may be eligible for a $21 benefit if they have an electric bill in their name.

“We know how difficult this past year has been on the finances of many families due to the ongoing pandemic and other factors. I urge residents to look into eligibility for this program,” said County Executive Day.

Regular HEAP: Residents do not have to be facing shut off to receive a regular HEAP benefit. The one-time regular benefit ranges from a $21 - $45 renters benefit to a maximum of $741 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, or propane and $416 for gas and electric. Residents must apply for the Regular HEAP benefit before being eligible for any subsequent Emergency benefits.  Applications for Regular HEAP will be accepted until 5:00 pm April 30, 2021.

New and returning HEAP applicants can apply for Regular HEAP online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or by mail. New HEAP applicants will be called for a phone interview. In person interviews are not required so we are not accepting in person appointments at this time. Please call the HEAP Department at 364-3480 or 364-3212, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. if you want a paper application or if you have any questions.

The following 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

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and social security or citizenship status cards for the entire household; their latest fuel bill, shut-off notice, if applicable; rent receipt or mortgage statement; last four pay stubs; proof of other income, SSI, SSA, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Comp, etc.; proof of child support; and wages or current 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 may provide your 2019 or 2020 taxes and three months of your most recent business and personal bank records to verify income.

Emergency HEAP:  Up to two emergency benefits 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. Households heating with oil, kerosene, or propane may receive an emergency HEAP benefit if they have ¼ of a tank or less of heating fuel. The emergency benefit ranges from a $140 heat related benefit to a maximum of $675 per household for heating with oil, kerosene, propane. The emergency benefit is $490 for gas and electric accounts. Applications for Emergency HEAP will be accepted until 5:00 pm April 30, 2021.

Residents who receive a Termination Notice from their utility provider should fax the notice to the HEAP Unit at 845-364-3130 or can email a copy of the notice to RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us. Households heating with oil, kerosene, or propane should contact the HEAP department if they have ¼ of a tank or less of fuel so they can apply for an emergency benefit.

Everyone should provide a daytime phone number along with the Termination Notice. TA/SNAP recipients should also include their Case Number. Individuals will be contacted for an Emergency HEAP phone interview to determine if they are eligible for the emergency benefit.

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