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Frequently Asked Questions About New York’s HEAP Program
Q: Do I have to pay back a HEAP grant?
A: No. Other state programs exist for utility assistance but they may involve repayment or recovery by the county.
Q: Can I receive more than one HEAP grant?
A. A household that received a “Regular HEAP” grant could receive an “Emergency HEAP” grant if there is a subsequent emergency. Also, households with emergencies may receive both a Regular and an Emergency grant. In some years when weather is severe or prices are unusually high, additional payments may become available during the winter.
Q: May a utility refuse to turn service on even if an Emergency HEAP grant is offered by a county Department of social Services which pays part but not all of the arrears I owe?
A: The state plan for energy crisis assistance must provide for resolution of a home energy crisis within 18 or 48 hours, depending on severity of the situation. Contact PULP if you are aware of any energy vendor who does not provide service for at least 30 days based on authorization of an Emergency HEAP payment by a county department of social services.
Q: I receive some of my natural gas or electric service from a energy services company (ESCO). Will HEAP be available to pay the ESCO bill?
A: In prior years, ESCOs could not receive Emergency HEAP, although some received Regular HEAP. Due to recent changes in the law, this may change to make Emergency HEAP available to pay ESCO bills when service termination is threatened. Contact PULP for further information.
If I have already received HEAP, will they be able to assist me?
Yes. If you are HEAP eligible and have a shutoff notice or less than a seven day supply of fuel and cannot make alternative living or payment arrangements you are entitled to emergency HEAP for any heat related utility service.
How much Emergency HEAP will I get?
For the 2001-2002 HEAP Program (closed as of May 3, 2002) the Emergency HEAP amounts were:
- Non Utility Heating Fuel Emergencies: $400
- Utility Heat-Related Electric Emergencies: $100 (i.e. electric start on furnace)
- Utility Heating Emergencies
- Natural Gas Heat: $235
- Electric Heat: $385
- Combined bill $335 (gas heat & heat Related electric service) $485 (electric heat & heat related electric)
If I am not eligible for or have already received HEAP and Emergency HEAP, or if the HEAP program is closed for the year will DSS/HRA be able to assist me?
You may be eligible for payment of up to four months of recent unpaid utility bills. These do not have to be heat related utility bills. You must have no alternative payment arrangements, liquid resources, or alternative housing available.
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