Help paying for heat and repairs to keep the heat inside

The low income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Westchester County Department of Social Services that assists eligible low-income, elderly and disabled residents with home heating costs. The 2009-2010 season opened Nov. 2, 2009. 

Applications and instructional attachments are available for downloading in both English and Spanish:

Eligibility for regular HEAP benefit

A household must pay for heat directly or make undesignated payments for heat in the form of rent. A household must also reside in a HEAP eligible living situation.

• Your electricity is necessary for your heating system to work and is either shut-off or scheduled to be shut off or
• Your natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut-off or
• You are out of or in danger of running out of fuel (oil, propane, wood, or coal) or
• Your essential applicant owned heating equipment is inoperable

Weatherization Program

Weatherization can provide necessary repair and services to prevent cold air from entering and heat from leaving the dwelling unit, thus ensuring heating efficiency and fuel savings.

Eligibility for Weatherization

• An applicant must be HEAP or income eligible in order to qualify for weatherization.
• A referral to weatherization program can be made if repairs to the home can conserve on energy.

Where to apply

• Public Assistance and Food Stamp customers can apply for HEAP at their local social services district office.  If you have questions, call (914) 995-5619. These households can mail their completed applications to the HEAP Unit, 112 East Post Rd. 5th Floor, White Plains, New York 10601.
  
• Individuals over the age of 60, permanently disabled or in receipt of SSI can apply for HEAP through the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-5619. These households can also mail their completed applications to the HEAP Unit, 112 East Post Rd. 5th Floor, White Plains, New York 10601.
• Other individuals can apply for HEAP at one of the local Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WESTCOP) offices or contact them for information at (914) 592-5600.