Low-income families, seniors and individuals in New York can now sign up for the Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP.

Applications are now being accepted for the federally funded program and New York officials are urging those who may need help heating their homes to apply.

Eligible New Yorkers may receive one regular HEAP benefit per year and an emergency benefit. The emergency benefit may be used if utility service is in danger of being shut off or are low on heating fuel.

According to New York Upstate, more than $325 million dollars is available for New York families that can't afford to pay their utility bills.

Eligibility is based upon different factors, including:

• Income
• Household Size
• Primary Heating Source
• The Presence of a Household Member Who is Under 6 Years Old, or Older than 60 or Permanently Disabled

Households are eligible for regular benefits if:

• You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens
• Your household gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
• You receive temporary assistance
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI - living alone)

Here are the monthly income limits for the 2017-18 heating season.

If you think you may qualify for HEAP, you can apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at your local social services office.

In Utica:  800 Park Avenue - (315) 798-5696
In Rome: 301 W. Dominick Street - (315) 336-7411 
In Herkimer: 301 North Washington Street - (315) 867-1291 

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