Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP Assistance Programs:

Regular HEAP benefit is a supplement to assist low income households by paying a portion of their heating costs. The 2022-23 Regular HEAP season began on November 1st, 2022.

Heating Equipment Tune-up benefit provides for equipment inspections and cleanings prior to the start of the heating season for eligible households.

The Emergency HEAP component meets emergency heating needs, as defined by HEAP regulations. Emergency HEAP is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, and emergency assistance will not be available before that date.

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) assists eligible homeowners with furnace and tank repair or replacement. 

The HEAP Cooling Component provides for the purchase and installation of fans or air conditioners to eligible households, during warmer months. 

Who's eligible for HEAP Assistance?

HEAP is an income eligibility program.  New income eligibility guidelines are issued in the beginning of the program for each heating season.

Those who have received a HEAP benefit check in the prior year will automatically receive an application in the mail the following year.

Older adults who are in an emergency situation (those without heating fuel and/or those with a scheduled heat related utility shut off) may be eligible for emergency assistance.  If you are calling about an emergency, it is best to call early in the day in order to give the Office for the Aging enough time to help you.

Anyone with an emergency or with questions about filling out the HEAP application should call the Dutchess County Office for the Aging at 845-486-2553 or email zserrano@dutchessny.gov.

There are some restrictions. Households in the following living situations are NOT eligible:

• Individuals paying room rent and/or room and board in a private residence
• Individuals temporarily housed in a motel/hotel or temporarily living in cars, vans or recreational vehicles
• Residents of congregate care facilities, dormitories, group homes or institutions
• Migrant/seasonal farm workers with no heating or heat related expenses
• Individuals who have no responsibilities for heating costs and who do not make undesignated payments for heat in the form of rent.

Additional Information

For fast, easy and confidential service, which is available 24 hours a day, you can visit MyBenefits.NY.gov where you can:

• Check to see if you are eligible for HEAP (and other benefits)
• Apply for Regular HEAP benefits during HEAP season
• Track your application.