Home Energy Assistance Program

• Utility subsidy to those 60+ & income eligible

This fund was created when NYSEG and RG&E combined their heating funds. Project SHARE is designed to help low income customers as well as active members of the military and veterans who are facing energy emergencies. Applicant must have an active NYSEG or RG&E account in their name, must have an active disconnect notice, must meet the HEAP income guideline except active duty military members and well-discharged veterans may qualify regardless of income. NYSEG customers should visit nyseg.com for more information. RG&E customers should visit rge.com. Customers should click on "Giving Back" and then on "In the Community."

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low-income families meet their home energy costs. The HEAP program consists of three components – Regular HEAP, Emergency HEAP and Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the program is based on income (see income guidelines below) and housing situation. Individuals must either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs. Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to apply. HEAP money is limited. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March.

Regular HEAP

There are no resource eligibility criteria for Regular HEAP. Regular benefit amounts range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency HEAP

Emergency benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than ¼ tank oil, kerosene or propane or have less than 10 days’ supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

If you have already exhausted your regular HEAP benefit you may call the office at 435-8295 to apply for Emergency HEAP by phone.

Onondaga County Office Building

Energy Assistance Unit - 7th Floor

600 S. State Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

(Monday-Friday)

Phone: (315) 435-8295

Primary FAX: (315) 435-8544

Secondary FAX: (315) 435-2735

HEAP

Fuel Dealer. Fuel type provided: Kerosene, Blend and Oil.

Programs offered include: Budget Billing, Deferred Payment Agreements, Extra Security Plan, Good Neighbor Fund, Life Support Apparatus Program, Help During Hospitalization, and Third Party Notification.

A program designed to help eligible households with heating and utility costs and with certain essential home heating equipment repairs. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Certain households such as Public Assistance, Food Stamp and Supplemental Security Income recipients may be categorically eligible.

NYSEG's Hardship Protection allows NYSEG to contact DSS/other services for help with hardship case situations. Customers may be eligible for special protections if they have a serious medical condition, use life-sustaining equipment, have a member of the household in the hospital, or all members of the household are blind, disabled or 62 years of age and older.

Project Share may provide grants to prevent any utility shut-off for a NYSEG or RG&E customer, including, but not limited to, natural gas, electric, propane, fuel oil, pellets, wood.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP), operated by NYSEG, provides payment assistance to customers if they have fallen behind on their electric or gas bill and are within income guidelines.