Liberty, NY – As one Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season comes to a close, another is about to begin.
“The 2019-2020 HEAP eligibility period is now ending after an unprecedented nine months,” notes Sullivan County Director of Temporary Assistance Giselle Steketee. “It was extended several times because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, before ending on August 31. However, the Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) and the Heating Equipment Clean & Tune (C&T) components remain active through September 30. They provide funding to have trained professionals inspect, service and even replace furnaces, boilers, stoves and other heating equipment.”
The 2020-2021 HERR and C&T programs will begin the very next day, October 1, while HEAP’s Regular component will start November 2. The Regular component of HEAP provides a one-time payment to help pay for the fuel to heat a home. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, over age 60 or permanently disabled.
Income thresholds for 2020-2021 Regular HEAP:
|
Household Size |
Monthly Income Maximum |
|
1 |
$2,610 |
|
2 |
$3,413 |
|
3 |
$4,216 |
|
4 |
$5,019 |
|
5 |
$5,822 |
|
6 |
$6,625 |
Note that Sullivan County’s new 4% Energy Tax will apply to recipients of HEAP who are not otherwise on Public Assistance. The tax is assessed on all heating fuel deliveries in Sullivan County, regardless of where the fuel vendor is located (including out-of-state vendors).
To apply for a 2020-2021 HEAP grant, go to https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin. The Sullivan County HEAP Office can be reached at 845-807-0142 or heap@sullivanny.us. The fax number is 845-292-4651. In-person applicant interviews will NOT be required this year, due to coronavirus. All interviews will be conducted via phone.