ALBANY, N.Y. (WROC/WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — As the winter months approach, many are starting to think about heating bills, and the resources available to cover the cost. Now, some additional help is on the way.

Applications for HEAP, New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program, will open on November 1.

Those who are eligible include those who are/can:

  • U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified non-citizens
  • Provide a Social Security number for each household member
  • Receive SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income
  • Monthly household income is at, or below HEAP income guidelines
  • If you own a home, pay for heat as part of your rent, and have money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or other resources

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $360 million in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Gillibrand said this will help households statewide afford their heating bills.

On November 1, households are able to access the application for the HEAP Regular online. Households also have the option to apply in person at their HEAP Local District Contact, or by mailing a completed application.

The HEAP Local District Contacts are the following:

Oneida County: People searching for energy assistance can contact the Oneida County Department of Social Services in either Utica or Rome. You may contact the Utica office on Park Avenue at (315) 798-5559 or the Rome office on West Dominick Street at (315) 356-2840. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Mohawk Valley Community Action on River Road in Utica is the alternate certifier for Oneida County. You may contact them at (315) 624-9930. Their main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 PM, while outreach sites are open from 1 pm to 6 pm.

If you experience an emergency after hours, you may call the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department at (315) 736-0141 or 911.

Herkimer County: You may contact the Department of Social Services on North Washington Street in Herkimer at (315) 867-1220. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The Herkimer County Office for the Aging on 109 Mary Street in Herkimer is the alternate certifier for Oneida County. You may contact them at (315) 624-9930. Their main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 PM. If you experience an emergency after hours, you are asked to dial 911.

Otsego County: You may contact the Department of Social Services on Main Street in Cooperstown at (607) 547-1622 or 1-800-422-2512. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The Otsego County Office for the Aging on County Highway 33W in Cooperstown is the alternate certifier for the county. You may contact them at (607) 547-4232 or 1-855-547-4390. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

If you experience an emergency after hours, you are asked to contact the Department of Social Services at (607) 544-2022.

At the beginning of January, households are able to apply for the HEAP Emergency benefit in person or by phone.

According to Senator Gillibrand, more than 1.7 million benefits totaling $428 million had been authorized for NYS through HEAP in FY23.

For more information on how to apply, click here.