Last year, HEAP helped more than 2,600 senior households in Chautauqua County. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) provides the eligible older population with financial help to pay heating bills. An annual, one-time-only regular benefit may be applied for by people ages 60 and over.
Again this year, there will be an early HEAP application mailed out to senior citizens who received a regular HEAP benefit in the prior season. The New York State Office of Temporary Assistance began sending HEAP applications from Albany to applicants ages 60 and up this week. Everyone who is age 60 and up who was eligible for the program last year will have an application sent to them during a three-week period.
Complete the application and send it back as soon as possible for the quickest service. It is important that all questions on the application are answered. Your application should be processed with the information you provide. If however, there is incomplete or unclear information, you will be contacted for verification. This delay may slow the processing of your application.
Applications for individuals ages 60 and up should be returned to:
Office for the Aging
7 N. Erie St.
Mayville, NY 14787
WHAT IS HEAP AND CAN IT HELP ME?
HEAP is a federally funded program which may help with heating needs. Under the program, eligible individuals can receive a one-time only payment. HEAP payments vary depending on household income, vulnerability and type of heating. If awarded, these benefits are sent directly to vendors. The regular HEAP benefit is intended to be a one-time supplement to your annual energy costs and is not intended to replace your personal payments.
You should continue to pay your energy bills. Individuals who are eligible for HEAP will see the credit on their heating bill after November.
Regular HEAP opens Nov. 19, and Emergency HEAP opens Jan. 2. County residents ages 60 and up who are first-time applicants can apply by contacting the Senior Services Office in their area. Applications for any new applicants will be mailed out after program opening in November.
If you received HEAP last year and do not receive an application by mid-October please call: 363-3865 (Dunkirk), 661-8940 (Jamestown), 753-4471 (Mayville).
The early mail-out does not include senior citizens in receipt of food stamps (now known as SNAP-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Temporary Assistance (TA).
Seniors receiving SNAP or TA, living in eligible situations, will automatically receive a benefit after program open without the need for a mail-in application.
Those with questions should contact their SNAP (food stamp) or TA workers.