The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance with home energy needs for low income, older individuals and families. Services include financial assistance with fuel bills, emergency financial assistance for fuel/utility terminations and referrals for weatherization service.
HEAP is funded through the New York State and Dutchess County Departments of Community & Family Services.
For information about HEAP, please call the Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555 or toll free outside the 845 area code at 866-486-2555, or email ofa@dutchessny.gov.
You can also apply for HEAP directly online at MyBenefits.NY.gov
Regular HEAP benefit is a supplement to assist low income households by paying a portion of their heating costs. The 2024-25 Regular HEAP season opened on November 1, 2024.
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 Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, 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.
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 HEAP Hotline at 845-486-2553 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov.
For fast, easy and confidential service, which is available 24 hours a day, you can visit MyBenefits.NY.gov where you can: