Beginning Monday, November 14, 2016, one Regular Erie County Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefit is available for an eligible household's main source of heat.

Gas and electric benefits appear as a credit on the bill about 60 days after approval. Oil, propane, wood, pellet, and coal benefits produce a delivery of fuel totaling the benefit amount. A household does not need a shut-off notice or low fuel to receive Regular HEAP. There is no resource test for Regular HEAP, as HEAP will not examine a household's savings or checking accounts and other means.

How do I apply for HEAP?

Beginning November 14, 2016 - if service is off or the household is out of heating fuel:

• A household member or authorized representative must report to one the following HEAP locations:478 Main Street, Buffalo - between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., for all households receiving Temporary Assistance or SNAP, and heads of the household are under 60 years of age or non-disabled; OR 291 Main Street, Buffalo - between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., for heads of the household age 60 or older, or under 60 and disabled (not receiving Temporary Assistance or SNAP).

If service is on, but the household has a current shut-off notice or low fuel supply of heating fuel:

• A household may call the HEAP Hotline at 858-7644, and a HEAP Hotline representative will examine the situation and direct the application process accordingly. The client may or may not need to report.

If service is on, with no shut-off notice and no low fuel supply:

• A household may call the HEAP Application Request Line at 858-1969, or request an application on this web page. An application packet will be mailed and there is no need to report.

Clients may additionally apply for Regular HEAP electronically by visiting: MYBenefits.NY.gov

Additionally, Emergency HEAP benefits are available to eligible households beginning January 3, 2017. One Emergency Heating benefit for a household's main source of heat, is available if there is a shut-off notice or low fuel supply, and the Regular benefit was already received. One Emergency "heat-related" electricity benefit is available if there is a shut-off notice and electric is needed to run a furnace or thermostat. A household may have no more than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a household with a member aged 60 or older) in available liquid resources in order to receive Emergency HEAP.

For income guidelines regarding eligibility of receiving Regular or Emergency HEAP benefits, or for other related information, visit the HEAP website.