Rath Announces Changes to Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)(Amherst, NY)—Ere County legislator Edward Rath, 15th District Amherst announced significant changes in the HEAP program this year. “Erie County has received almost double the amount of the amount of funding this year to assist people with their heating bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a onetime grant for low to moderate income people to help offset their winter energy costs. It can be applied to gas, electric, oil or wood, Rath stated.
This year there is an emergency benefit for a shut off notice or low oil reserves but it cannot be applied for at the same time as a regular benefit. Emergency benefits in certain cases will be able to be phoned in after November 3 when the program opens.
Beginning November 3 there will be a mail-in procedure available for those under 60 who received benefits last year. This is a significant change and improvement from how the program has operated historically. Even if you were eligible every year, those under 60 had to always apply in person. If you have never applied, are income eligible and under 60 you must still apply in person this year either at an outreach site or downtown at the HEAP office.
Legislator Rath encourages people in Amherst who are under 60 and income eligible to mark their calendars for December 29 when an outreach site will be available at the Amherst Town Hall Council Chambers. The doors open at 7:00 AM.
“We are placing significant emphasis on getting Amherst Seniors enrolled in the program this year, Rath said. In our area there are a large number of seniors who are eligible who have simply never applied. We are reaching out to family members who may have an elderly parent, relative or neighbor and encourage them to contact our office to see if they are eligible. If they meet the income requirements, my staff would be happy to assist them with the application process after November 3”, Rath concluded.Below is a chart of gross monthly income for HEAP eligibility. We are encouraging people to apply this year for help with their energy costs. Household Size
1 $1963
2 $2567
3 $3172
4 $3776
5 $4380
6 $4984
7 $5097
8 $5210
9 $5324
For further information on HEAP and other programs to assist residents, please contact Rath’s office by email at rathe@erie.gov or by phone at 633.0617. Rath’s office is located at 5500 Main Street, Suite 1 in a separate entrance from the main building. -30-