West NY News

November has brought colder weather, and with it, the opportunity for eligible residents of Chautauqua County to receive heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The program provides financial support to help heat homes during the winter months.

Eligible individuals can apply for one regular HEAP benefit per year, which began on November 1st, 2024. There is also potential eligibility for Emergency HEAP if further assistance is needed. Eligibility criteria include income level, household size, primary heating source, and having a household member under age 6, over age 60, or with a permanent disability. Additional qualifications include U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status and receiving benefits such as SNAP, Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

HEAP assists with various heating sources including electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood/wood pellets, kerosene, and corn.

Regular HEAP benefit amounts vary based on living situations and primary heating sources:

- $21 for those in government-subsidized housing or group homes with heat included in rent.

- $45 or $50 for those whose rent includes heating costs.

- $900 for households using oil, kerosene, or propane who pay directly to vendors.

- $635 for households using wood-based fuels who pay directly to vendors.

- $400 for households using electricity or natural gas paying based on actual usage.

Income limits are set according to household size; a single-person household must have a maximum gross monthly income of $3,322 while larger households follow increasing thresholds.

Besides regular and emergency benefits, eligible households may qualify for the Clean and Tune Benefit. This service involves cleaning the primary heating equipment and performing minor repairs to ensure safe operation.

For questions about HEAP programs contact your local district at 716-661-8200 or visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. Further assistance is available from the Office for Aging Services via email at ccnyc@chqgov.com or by phone at 716-753-4582.