With home heating oil prices soaring again as we head into winter, it is important for low-income homeowners and seniors to know that they may qualify for help paying their heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Applications for the HEAP program are now available at many locations in Westchester.

“Last year, we were able to help more than 10,140 Westchester households,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “And this year, with home heating oil prices already at an average of more than $2.70 a gallon in Westchester, homeowners on fixed incomes are going to need all the help they can get. I urge individuals and families who qualify to apply for aid right away.”

The federally funded HEAP program, administered by the Westchester County Department of Social Services, assists eligible low-income, elderly and disabled persons with their home-heating costs. Qualified households can receive assistance this winter; the amount will vary depending upon what type of fuel is used and on whether heat is included in rent payments.Last winter, Westchester households that qualified for assistance received a combined total of $1,208,925 from the program. Exactly how much will be available this year depends on how cold the winter is and how great the need is.

Temporary assistance customers whose cases were opened after September 8, 2007, as well as Food Stamp customers whose cases were opened after September 15, 2007 should contact their Social Services District Office if they wish to apply for HEAP. Customers with cases open prior to these dates have had their HEAP eligibility automatically determined and do not have to file an application.

Westchester residents who are not receiving Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps may apply for HEAP by calling one of seven local Community Action Program (CAP) offices, or by calling Westchester Community Opportunities Program, Inc. (WESTCOP) at (914) 592-5600.

In addition, the elderly, disabled and SSI recipients may receive assistance in applying for HEAP by calling (914) 995-5619. Households not receiving Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps may be eligible for HEAP assistance if their gross monthly income falls within the following range:

Household size	Tier 1 gross monthly income	Tier 2 gross monthly income
1	$1,106.00	$1,107.00 - $1.876.00
2	$1,483.00	$1,484.00 - $2,454.00
3	$1,860.00	$1,861.00 - $3,031.00
4	$2,237.00	$2,238.00 - $3,309.00
5	$2,614.00	$3,369.00 - $4,781.00
6	$2,991.00	$3,369.00 - $4,781.00
7	$3,368.00	$3,369.00 - $4,781.00
8	$3,745.00	$3,746.00 - $4,980.00
9	$4,122.00	$4,123.00 - $5,088.00
10	$4,499.00	$4,500.00 - $5,196.00