County Accepting HEAP Applications

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) is now accepting applications for regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which assists low-income residents with the cost of heat and energy-related expenses.

Eligibility for HEAP is based on household income: For a household of one, monthly income cannot exceed $2,318; two-person households have an income cut-off of $3,031; and the cut-off increases with household size to $6,733 for a household of 11, and by $523 per person thereafter.

Residents applying solely for a Regular HEAP benefit are encouraged to apply at www.MyBenefits.ny.gov, as it is the fastest and easiest way to apply. New applicants will need to provide proof of each household member’s identity (including valid Social Security number), proof of residence, a fuel and/or utility bill if they pay for heat or proof they rent that includes heat, and verification of all household members’ income.

DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “Applying for Regular HEAP online is the quickest and most convenient way of applying, saving applicants time and giving them a way to track their application online. We urge all those applying for Regular HEAP to utilize www.MyBenefits.ny.gov to expedite the process and receive their benefit faster.”

In addition to Regular HEAP, which is open until March 15, 2018 or until funds are exhausted, there are several other HEAP benefits available. These benefits must be applied for in person or via mail. Please note, DCFS cannot give out or accept any HEAP applications for these programs prior to their respective opening date:

• Emergency HEAP – assists residents if their electricity is necessary for heating system or thermostat to work and is either shut-off or scheduled to be shut off; or their electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut-off; or are out of fuel, have less than one-quarter tank of fuel oil, kerosene or propane, or have less than a 10-day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn or other deliverable heat source; the expected opening date for applications to be accepted is January 3, 2018 and it is scheduled to close on March 15, 2018
• Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) – assists eligible homeowners with furnace and tank repair or replacement; applications are now being accepted
• Cooling HEAP component – provides for the purchase and installation of fans or air conditioners to eligible households; applications can be accepted starting May 1, 2018 and it is expected to close August 1, 2018 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first

Residents can apply for all HEAP services in person at the various locations listed below, or they may print and mail the completed HEAP application to the following Dutchess County locations:

DCFS Eastern Dutchess Government Center
131 County House Road, Millbrook, NY 12545
Phone: (845) 677-5532, Fax: (845) 677-5508

DCFS Beacon Office
223 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Phone: (845) 838-4800, Fax: (845) 838-4888

DCFS Main Office
60 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.   
HEAP Phone Number: (845) 486-3249, HEAP Fax: (845) 486-3232

Community Action
Phone: (845) 452-5104 ext. 220.
http://www.dutchesscap.org

Dutchess County Office for the Aging (if you are 60 years of age or older)
27 High Street, 3rd Floor, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 486-2555
http://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging

Additionally, in case of emergency, Dutchess County DCFS operates a No-Heating Fuel Emergency Response Program through Dutchess County Community Action; residents can call (845) 486-3249 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays for assistance.  An after-hours telephone number, (845) 437-0050, is maintained from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as on weekends and holidays; low-income residents can call if they are without heating fuel or do not have a fuel supply that will last until the next County business day.