HEAP Cooling Assistance Available In New York State

It’s been a scorching hot summer so far here in Dutchess and Ulster counties, which means two things: your A/C has been working overtime, and you have the bills to show it.

If those bills are too much for you this COVID-challenged summer, there could be relief in the form of Cooling Assistance from the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

As of May 1, eligible NY State residents can receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

• Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
• You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
• You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens, and
• Includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat, and
• You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Please remember: Valley Oil works with local HEAP programs to deliver heating oil delivery assistance during heating season. For further details, visit http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#overview or contact us to schedule a heating oil delivery in the Hudson Valley.