Erie County Announces 2008-2009 Home Energy Assistance Program

October 30, 2008

Experts expect record need for HEAP this winter season

With cold weather fast approaching and energy costs on the rise, Erie County Executive Chris Collins announced today that help is available to Erie County residents. On Monday, November 3, 2008, the Home Energy Assistance Program officially begins for 2008-2009. HEAP is a federally-funded program designed to help families with the rising costs of energy. It is administered locally by the Erie County Department of Social Services in partnership with the Erie County Department of Senior Services.

"In anticipation of the cold weather months and subsequent high fuel costs, all eligible Erie County households are encouraged to apply for HEAP," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "The federal government has made the necessary adjustments to deal with this season's anticipated participation in the HEAP program and our county departments are prepared to meet the needs of our residents."

Income eligibility guidelines and benefit amounts have increased since last year. The HEAP income guidelines are as follows:

Income eligibility guidelines

Household Size / Income At Or Below (Monthly)

1 / $ 1,963.00

2 / $2,567.00

3 / $3,172.00

4 / $3,776.00

5 / $4,380.00

6 / $4,984.00

7 / $5,097.00

8 / $5,210.00

Households in need of assistance can apply for help at the HEAP office located at 478 Main Street, Buffalo and at various outreach locations throughout Erie County. Senior citizens and households that received HEAP last year can apply for the upcoming program via mail.

Erie County is conducting a major outreach initiative to inform Erie County residents of the availability of this service and to increase program access for assistance. In addition to the HEAP office in downtown Buffalo, applications for HEAP assistance are available at all Erie County Legislative offices, various community centers and all National Fuel Gas customer assistance centers.

Designated Hotlines are available from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM to answer questions on the program. Erie County residents are encouraged to call 858-7870 or 858-7644, Monday through Friday, to request an application or obtain the necessary program information.