Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
  The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Westchester County Department of Social Services that assists eligible low-income, elderly, and disabled persons with their home heating costs.  This season began on November 1, 2007.

There are several components that come under the HEAP Program.  Click here for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) HEAP homepage and application. 

Who is eligible for a regular HEAP benefit?

A household must pay for heat directly or make undesignated payments for heat in the form of rent. A household must also reside in a HEAP eligible living situation. If they live in any subsidized housing, in order to be eligible for HEAP, they must pay for their own heat.

Monthly Income Eligibility Guidelines:

House-
hold size		 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11+
2007-08 $ 
maximum		 1876 2454 3031 3609 4186 4763 4871 4980 5088 5196 5626 +435

What is the criteria for an emergency benefit?

An emergency HEAP benefit is provided for eligible applicants when certain criteria are met:

  • An emergency must be heat-related and utility service must be currently disconnected or scheduled for disconnection or household is without heating fuel, or has a supply that will last less than 10 calendar days of requesting assistance.
  • An applicant heats by oil and the utilities are due to be disconnected and the electricity is needed to run the heating equipment.
  • Repairs and/or replacement of heating equipment can be covered under emergency HEAP.
  • Eligibility is based on income as well as resources available to the household.

Weatherization Program

Weatherization can provide necessary repair and services to prevent cold air from entering and heat from leaving the dwelling unit, thus ensuring heating efficiency and fuel savings.

Who is eligible?

  • An applicant must be HEAP or income eligible in order to qualify for weatherization.
  • A referral to weatherization program can be made if repairs to the home can conserve on energy.

Where can I apply?

  • Public Assistance and Food Stamp customers can apply for HEAP at their local DSS Service Center.  If you have questions, please call 995-5619.
  • Individuals over the age of 60, permanently disabled or in receipt of SSI can apply for HEAP through the Westchester County Department of Social Services; call 995-5619.  
  • Other individuals can apply for HEAP at one of the local Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WESTCOP) offices, or contact them for information at 592-5600.