Applying for Assistance

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Electricity and Natural Gas

 

shutterstock_154808651Emergency? Contact your Local Department of Social Services Office or the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

HEAP is a federally funded program that assists low-income New Yorkers with the cost of heating their homes. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency.

Regular HEAP benefits assist households that pay a high proportion of household income for energy. The Regular Benefit of the 2013-14 HEAP season opens November 18, 2013.  See more on Regular HEAP Benefit.

Emergency HEAP benefits assist qualifying low-income New Yorkers who are facing a heat or heat related energy emergency and do not have resources above the established limits. The Emergency benefit component of the 2013-14 HEAP season opens January 2, 2014.  See more on Emergency HEAP Benefit.

HEAP heating equipment repair and replacement is available to help eligible low-income homeowners repair or replace primary heating equipment necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source functional. The HEAP heating equipment repair and replacement benefit component of the 2013-14 HEAP season opens November 12, 2013. See more on Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement.

Want to see if you may be eligible?

Learn more about 2013-2014 HEAP Gross Monthly Income Guidelines.

Complete a HEAP pre-screening.

For answers to other questions about HEAP, see the Electricity and Natural Gas Frequently Asked Questions (link to Utility FAQ), or contact your Local Department of Social Services Office or the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

Utility Low Income Discount Programs – Electricity and Natural Gas

 

shutterstock_78814390Most major gas and electric utility companies have discount programs that promote affordability of essential utility services for low-income customers. Eligible customers receive a discount on their monthly electric and/or gas bills, as well as other benefits, depending on the characteristics of the particular utility’s program. For more information, contact your utility directly.

A number of utilities also offer additional payment assistance. See the section below the list of discount programs when you connect with the link above. Here you’ll find information on program names, a description of each program and its benefits, as well as the eligibility requirements and a contact name and number.

For answers to specific questions about electricity and natural gas discount programs, see the Electricity and Natural Gas Frequently Asked Questions. (link to Utility FAQ)

Telephone Lifeline

 

Lifeline helps you stay connected and save money on your monthly telephone bill. The Lifeline discount can be applied to either home telephone service (landline or cable) or wireless service. The discount is available for only one line per household.

Benefits

  • Lifeline discounts on home phone service can save you as much as $250 a year through lower basic local service charges and a waiver of federal line charges.
  • Wireless customers can receive Lifeline benefits such as free minutes, reduced rates and free phones.

shutterstock_148961522Requirements and Limitations

  • Not all telephone and cable companies offer Lifeline. Click here for a list of participating companies or contact your provider directly.
  • Customers must be income-eligible to apply.
  • The Lifeline discount can be applied to either home telephone service or wireless service, but the discount is limited to one discount per household.
  • Consumers will be required to provide documentation to prove he or she is eligible to receive Lifeline.

 

Tribal Lands Lifeline and Link Up

 

Tribal Lands Lifeline allows eligible low-income consumers on tribal lands to receive additional discounts on their monthly bills. Under the Link Up program, some carriers offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on the initial installation or activation of a wireline or wireless telephone for the primary residence. Tribal Lands Link Up also enables subscribers to pay the remaining amount that they owe on a deferred schedule, interest-free.

For answers to specific questions about Telephone Lifeline, see the Telephone Frequently Asked Questions. (link to Utility FAQ)

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