For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
Email: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) has opened a satellite office in the City of Beacon to assist low-income residents apply for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which assists individuals with the cost of heat and energy-related expenses.
The first-floor office at 223 Main Street will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three DCFS employees will staff the office solely to assist residents with their HEAP inquiries.
County Executive Molinaro said, “This new satellite office will make it easier for residents in the southern portion of Dutchess County receive assistance with their HEAP applications, helping these low-income families keep their families warm this winter. The office epitomizes the county’s commitment to making government more efficient, bringing HEAP assistance closer to the residents who need it in southern Dutchess County.”
Eligibility for HEAP is based on household income. The Regular HEAP benefit is a supplement to assist low-income households by paying a portion of their heating costs; the Emergency HEAP component meets emergency heating needs, as defined by HEAP regulations.
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) assists eligible homeowners with furnace and tank repair or replacement. HEAP Cooling Component provides for the purchase and installation of fans or air conditioners to eligible households. More information regarding HEAP is available at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp
DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “HEAP is the cornerstone of the public energy assistance program that helps ensure the safety of Dutchess County low-income families during the winter. This year, we are happy to increase access points for individuals and families to apply for assistance. In addition to our new Beacon office, we have also partnered with local agencies, including Community Action Agency, Mental Health America and Office for the Aging, to provide application services.”
The following are important dates for the 2015 HEAP season (DCFS cannot give out or accept any HEAP applications for these programs prior to their respective opening date):
Residents are also reminded that they can apply for regular HEAP benefits on line. Fast and confidential service is available at WWW.MYBENEFITS.NY.GOV where individuals can apply for regular HEAP benefits and track their application.
In addition to the new satellite office in Beacon, residents can also apply for HEAP at 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 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
Mental Health America
253 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 473-2500, Fax: (845) 471-6860
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
In case of emergency, Dutchess County operates a No-Heating Fuel Emergency Response Program through DC Community Action. An after-hours telephone number is maintained from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekdays, as well as 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays. Low-income residents can call (845) 437-0050 if they are without heating fuel or do not have a fuel supply that will last until the next County business day.
