ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The government-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) has returned, just as the weather gets colder. Originally set to reopen at the start of November, the program was delayed due to the government shutdown but is now accepting new applicants.
Eligibility for HEAP depends on annual income and household size.
According to RG&E for a one-person household, income must be less than $41,685 per year. Two-person households need to earn less than $54,512, three-person households less than $67,338, and four-person households less than $80,165.
They also add hose relying on programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI may automatically qualify.
“So depending on your income size and how you heat the home, grants do range everywhere from $40 for a renter,” said Laurie Wheelock, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project. “If you are not paying for heat, but it’s including rent, you can still apply and get income relief for someone who again heats with Rochester Gas and Electric. The base grant is around $400. And then for fuel oil customers, it’s around $900.”
Matthew Dawson, who relies on HEAP, expressed gratitude for the assistance. “It gives me a whole tank of fuel oil for the winter… I can go without it, but with my income, it surely comes in handy,” said Dawson.
For those interested in applying for HEAP, a link is available here.
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