Most of us have already felt the cold winds of fall. If you're worried about keeping your house warm this winter, applications are now being accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Erie County recommends applying early, as funds are limited. HEAP's regular (non-emergency) funds start at $350.
This year, the deadline might seem early. That’s because the county is preparing for the utility moratorium to end and wants to give families more time to access the benefits and better plan.
“We want people to apply early to get the ball rolling so that they know what their energy costs are for the year and how we can help them," said Daniel Szewc, county assistant deputy commissioner of Social Services.
The program helps individuals and families facing economic hardship. Per-month maximum income limits range from $2,729 for an individual, to $5,249 for a family of four, to $7,243 for a household of eight.
Also new this year is an opportunity to get help with payments you may have missed on your utility.
“What's different about this year is we have a regular arrears supplement," said Christine Janikowski, coordinator of the Erie County Energy Program. "Normally we do not pay for arrears if you have a balance with your utilities. This year, if you are HEAP-eligible and you have a balance, we can pay up to a certain amount if you're eligible."
For HEAP, monthly income is determined based on the past 30 days and residents can apply by mail, by fax, in person or online. Applications are also available in large print or different languages.
More information is available by calling 716-858-7644 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or visiting erie.gov/heap.
