West NY News

The Emergency Benefit component of the Heating and Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is set to open on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This benefit will be available to households eligible for HEAP that can prove they are facing a heating or utility emergency.

An emergency is defined as a situation where a household is at risk of having their heat or utility shut off, or if the service is already discontinued. Additionally, emergencies include having less than 25% fuel in oil, propane, or kerosene tanks, or possessing less than a 10-day supply of wood, wood pellets, or coal.

Applicants do not need to visit the office in person to access this benefit. There are contactless methods available for applying, conducting interviews, and submitting necessary documentation.

For further details about any aspect of the HEAP program, individuals are encouraged to contact the Department of Social Services through the provided phone numbers. Alternatively, inquiries can be made via email at CattHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us or by visiting the Heating and Energy Assistance page on the Cattaraugus County website at https://www.cattco.org/social-services/HEAP.

A note clarifies that these contact numbers are message-only lines: "Please clearly leave your name, contact information and specify your emergency so that staff can best serve you when they return your call."

Face-to-face interviews are not required for HEAP programs. After receiving an application, a HEAP worker will conduct an interview over the phone.