HEAP

Do I qualify?

This money is allocated for all low-income, eligible households.  The income limits have had a slight increase and the quickest method to see if you qualify is by checking the guidelines at http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/.

HEAP is a seasonal program that runs through the heating season.

HEAP is a one-time grant that is paid in two forms, basic and emergency.  Basic is paid to all income eligible households that meet the criteria under the Income Guidelines for HEAP.  Emergency is paid to all income eligible households that also meet the criteria on the Income Guidelines for HEAP and have a shut off notice or low fuel.  However, the household would have to present proof that there are very little resources to pay any late bill to their vendor.  All HEAP monies are paid directly to the vendor at which time the account would be credited.

Here are some other HEAP-related contacts that you may find helpful for a special concern or in case of emergency:

Niagara County Office for Aging: 716-438-4016

NiaCAP (weatherization program): 716-285-9681  or  716-433-6632 

Community Mission Inc.: 716-285-3403 

Catholic Charities: 716-282-2351 

American Red Cross: 716-299-0900

Regular Arrears Supplement Benefit 

The Regular Arrears Supplement HEAP benefit opened on September 22, 2021. 

If you are eligible, the Regular Arrears Supplement HEAP benefit can help you pay for gas and/or electricity utility arrears. 

The Regular Arrears Supplement is a one-time benefit based on the actual amount of current utility arrears, up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s gas and/or electric utility vendor(s). 

You may be eligible for a Regular Arrears Supplement HEAP benefit if: 

You heat your home with natural gas or electricity, and/or 

Your heating costs are included in your rent, but you are responsible for paying for your home’s electricity, 

and 

Your income is at or below the current income guidelines as posted in the table below or you receive Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income, 

You received, or meet all of the eligibility criteria to receive, a Regular HEAP benefit in the current program year, 

You pay a vendor directly for your gas and/or electricity usage, and 

Your current gas and/or electricity account(s) is/are in active collections, or otherwise facing disconnection or termination due to unpaid arrears.

Seniors can obtain help through The Office for the Aging at 111 Main Street, Lockport, where staff will be available to assist with Early Outreach application completion.  Their telephone number is 438-4016 and they are available Monday- Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.