Erie County residents have another great reason to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) this year! The HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) benefit will help eligible households pay past-due amounts on their natural gas and/or electric utility accounts. RAS is a one-time benefit for natural gas accounts and a one-time benefit for electric accounts (a combined benefit for gas/electric of up to $10,000 is available to each eligible household).  The RAS benefit will be automatically applied to the accounts of those HEAP recipients who qualify – no separate application is required. Payments will made directly to an eligible household’s utility companies.

The HEAP Regular Benefit Program opens for the 2021-22 program year on Oct. 1, 2021, so apply for HEAP and take advantage of the HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS). 

If you have questions about whether you received the HEAP RAS, or if you are eligible for the HEAP RAS, call the HEAP hotline at (716)858-7644 or email Heaphotline@erie.gov.