Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo announces that a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 at the West Seneca Senior Center, 4620 Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY 14224. Interviews will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Doors open at 8:30am.  All applicants will be interviewed. 

HEAP is a federally funded program to assist income eligible Erie County residents with the costs of home heating, electricity, and energy conservation. The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income eligible households.

“HEAP applications are currently being accepted to help eligible residents with heating costs this winter. If you need an application, please contact my office at 858-8922. I have also scheduled HEAP outreaches in the district to assist residents with the process, which can be confusing at times. It is important that those who qualify understand how to apply so please contact me with questions or plan to attend a HEAP outreach for assistance,” said Legislator Lorigo.

Applicants must bring the following documentation to the outreach:

1)     Proof of gross income received within the last 30 days for all household members

a)     Wages: If paid weekly, last four (4) paystubs

b)  Wages: If paid bi-weekly, last two (2) paystubs

c)   Award letters, if applicable (Social Security, Pension, Unemployment, Workers Comp, Disability, etc.)

 d) Yearly statement of interest received (savings, checking, CDs, money market account, etc.)

 e) Dividend proof (stocks, bonds securities, etc.)

2) Social Security numbers for all household members

3) One (1) form of ID for all household members (birth certificate or Social Security card or driver’s license or school ID, etc.)

            4) Proof of residency (Rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bill)

5) Current heat and/or electric bill.    

For questions or additional information, please call the HEAP Hotline at (716) 858-7644 or HEAP Application Request Line at (716) 858-1969

The HEAP 2012-2013 income guidelines are as follows:

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as HEAP benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency HEAP benefits will be accepted beginning January 2, 2013.

To request a HEAP application, please contact Legislator Lorigo at (716) 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov or visit www.erie.gov/socialservices.