I have said it many times, but I will say it again.

We only have two seasons in the North Country – winter and get ready for winter.

We are in the last stages of get ready for winter.

Do you have your heating source up and ready to go?

Do you know how you are going to pay for your fuel bill this year?

Have you ever checked to see if you qualify for HEAP?

The Home Energy Assistance Program

The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as the HEAP program, helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes.

How does it work?

Once the 2023-2024 season opens, you can call the local office, or put in an online application to see if you qualify for HEAP.

If you are eligible, you may receive a one-time HEAP benefit to help with your fuel cost this season.

This is the regular HEAP benefit.

Later in the season, if you have an impending danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off, you may also qualify for an emergency HEAP benefit, but you would need to reapply for that benefit.

Which Type of Fuel Source is Provided

HEAP typically works with the following energy sources:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas
• Oil
• Coal
• Propane
• Wood/Wood Pellets
• Kerosene
• Corn

Heating Source Repair and Replacement

If you are in need of a heating source repair or replacement, HEAP may be able to help you in that area too.

Call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefits.

Who is eligible to receive HEAP?

You may be eligible for HEAP. It is worth checking into this program to see if you do or not.

You could qualify if:

• You and the members of your household are U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens
• You have a valid Social Security number for each household member
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income
• Your monthly household income is at or below the HEAP income guidelines.

Don’t just automatically think you don’t qualify.

You may be eligible for HEAP, even if you:

• • Own your home
  • Pay for heat as part of your rent
  • Have money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or other resources

HEAP Clean and Tune Benefit

Maybe you don’t need help with your fuel costs this year, but you could use some help with the costs of having a professional come in to give your furnace a nice clean and tune.

Make sure you check out the HEAP Clean and Tune benefit.

This benefit includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, and installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment.

Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

What Do I Need to Sign Up for HEAP

• Proof of residency with one of the following:
• Rent receipt with address
• Copy of lease with address
• Water, sewer or tax bill
• Homeowner’s insurance policy
• Mortgage payment receipt
• Deed
• Utility bill
• A current fuel or utility bill, or a statement from your landlord that your heat and/or utilities are included in your rent.
• Recent pay stubs to provide proof of total current monthly income for all household members.
• For each person in your household you will need one of the following:
• Photo ID
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate or baptismal certificate
• School records
• Passport
• Paperwork documenting a disability for anyone in your household

When Does the HEAP Program Open

When does the HEAP program open for the 2023-2024 season?

The regular HEAP season opens on November 1, 2023.

Emergency HEAP will open on January 2, 2024.