Program assists eligible households to pay utility bills

Posted 10/26/22

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Commissioner of Social Services Darcie Miller are reminding residents that the County will begin accepting applications for the Home Energy Assistance …

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Program assists eligible households to pay utility bills

Posted

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Commissioner of Social Services Darcie Miller are reminding residents that the County will begin accepting applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), on November 1, 2022.

“I want to make sure that residents are aware of the help that is available,” Neuhaus said. “No one should be cold during this winter season. Orange County issued 21,006 regular benefit and emergency benefit payments through the HEAP program during the 2021-2022 heating season. Both renters and homeowners can be eligible for assistance.”

HEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. This includes financial assistance in paying utility and oil bills for each heating season. Miller recommends that applicants use the website www.mybenefits.ny.gov to complete and submit a HEAP application.

HEAP applicants may also request an application over the phone by calling 291-2002. Senior residents can call Orange County’s Office for the Aging at 615-3710 for information and assistance regarding HEAP. Eligibility for the program is based on the applicant’s income and housing situation.

The total gross monthly income for household size must be at or below $2,852 for a family of one up to $5,485 for a family of four. A family may be eligible for financial assistance in the amount of $21 to $976 depending on heating responsibility, fuel type, income level and household composition.

“Working together with our state and local partners, we are committed to administering these benefit programs to ensure that those in need receive the support and services that they are eligible for,” Miller said.