Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The 2011-2012 HEAP benefit season begins 11/16/11.
Energy costs across the nation have skyrocketed, and many families are having trouble meeting the expense. Inadequate power production, economic issues, and the recent extremes in weather have only compounded the problem.
Quaranta Housing Services, via its parent agency Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. and in cooperation with the New York State Department of Social Services, offers applications for the NYS HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). HEAP subsidizes energy expenses such as heating and emergency cooling costs for eligible low-income individuals and families.
What types of benefits are available?
HEAP may help you pay for Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, Wood, Oil, Kerosene, Coal, or any other heating fuel. In addition, HEAP can help repair or replace defective heating equipment. The list of benefit availability and requirements is as follows:
Regular Benefit
The HEAP regular benefit component assists low-income New Yorkers with the cost of heating their homes. The regular benefit component of the 2011-2012 HEAP season will open on November 16, 2011.Emergency Benefit
The HEAP emergency benefit component assists qualifying low-income New Yorkers who are facing a heat or heat related energy emergency and do not have the resources available to resolve the emergency. The emergency benefit component of the 2011-2012 HEAP season will open on January 3, 2012. PLEASE NOTE THAT TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY BENEFITS, YOU MUST HAVE APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED YOUR REGULAR HEAP BENEFIT! If you have not applied for regular benefits and have an emergency, you must apply for regular benefits first.Heating Equipment Repair of Replacement
The heating equipment repair and replacement component is available to help low-income homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers, and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional. The heating equipment repair or replacement component of the 2011-12 HEAP season is open as of October 3, 2011.
How do I apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program?
If you would like to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), you may apply by mail, in person at either Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. or the Chenango County Dept. of Social Services, or over the internet depending on your situation.
By Mail
If you received a HEAP benefit last year and reside in the same county that your application was filed last year, you should receive an application in the mail. Please fill it out and return it with supporting income documentation.
In Person
If you receive Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance, Code A SSI, or have already received regular HEAP benefits this season:
Chenango County Dept. of Social Services
5 Court St. PO Box 590
Norwich, NY 13815
(607)337-1500
If everyone in your household is over 60:
County Office for the Aging
(607)337-1770
ALL other HEAP applicants:
Opportunities for Chenango, Inc.
44 W. Main St. PO Box 470
Norwich, NY 13815
(607)336-4327 (HEAP line)
Applications can be mailed to you, and you may submit completed forms via mail along with copies of required supporting documentation (see below).
What do I have to bring?
Applicants should bring documentation verifying residence, household composition, income, vendor relationship and vulnerability. (i.e. Proof of age if a household member is under age 6 or age 60 or older, or proof of disability if permanently disabled).
For more information, contact us via phone at (607) 336-4327 or click here to send email. You may also call the NYS HEAP Hotline at (800) 342-3009.
WE CAN HELP! 
WE CAN HELP! 
