Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and the Erie County Department of Social Services (“ECDSS”) has announced the opening of the Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) Cooling Assistance Program. Under the federally-funded cooling program, eligible households (those meeting HEAP requirements and with at least one member having a documented medical condition) will receive installation of one window air conditioner.

“As we look forward to another summer, I encourage all residents who might need air conditioning to contact HEAP to determine if they qualify for the Cooling Assistance Program,” said Poloncarz. “The funding for the program is limited and the assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis, so the time to act is now.”

All residents who meet eligibility requirements may apply at the HEAP office (291 Pearl St. in Buffalo) weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Applications may also be mailed. Residents are encouraged to call the HEAP Application Request Line at 858-1969 for an application package. Approved households will be provided with a list of qualified area contractors who are contracted with New York State to install air conditioning units. HEAP will notify the chosen vendor of program eligibility, and the vendor will coordinate the set up appointment with residents. Households that have received HEAP cooling assistance within the last 10 years, or households with a working air conditioning unit that is less than five years old are not eligible.

All HEAP components are federally funded. Eligible households must have received a 2016-17 HEAP benefit or have income which does not exceed the 2016-17 maximum HEAP guidelines. In addition, in order to be eligible at least one member of the household must have a medical condition (documented in writing by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner) that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Documentation for this medical condition must be issued within the previous twelve months and clearly state the health condition. Documentation older than twelve months may be used if it provides sufficient information to indicate that the medical condition is considered chronic.

The HEAP Hotline is also available to provide information about other programs available to assist with heat and electricity costs or furnace repair when HEAP benefits are closed for the season; information on the Weatherization Assistance Program, and referrals to EmPower NY; answer questions about HEAP benefits approved during the season; and provide information about the 2016-17 HEAP season.

For more information about HEAP, call the HEAP Hotline at (716) 858-7644.