If you require assistance paying for the cost of home heating oil, you are not alone. Many homeowners throughout the country qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) that provides financial help for heating oil costs. Learn more about this federally-funded program here. 

A Guide to the Home Energy Assistance Program

What Does the Program Include? 

The Home Energy Assistance Program helps individuals in low-income households afford heating fuel, including oil, natural gas, coal, and propane. It also provides financial assistance for homeowners who heat their home using electricity, wood or wood pellets, and even corn. Eligibility means automatic discounts on utility bills, as the program pays all related costs directly to the vendor. 

Benefit amounts vary by living situation. For example, if you pay for heating costs with your rent, you’ll receive up to $45 in benefits. If your primary heating source is oil or propane and you make direct vendor payments, you could receive $675 or more in benefits. 

Financial assistance is also available to mitigate cooling costs, and it's offered from May to August every year. 

How Do You Qualify?

You are potentially eligible for the program’s regular benefits if you and the members of your household are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens. The gross monthly income for your house must be at or below the amounts specified, such as $2,610, $3,413, or $4,216 for a one, two, or three-person household, respectively. Regular benefit qualification also requires receiving Temporary Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Code A Supplemental Security Income. 

Emergency benefit eligibility might also apply to you based on your income and resources. For example, if you are out of home heating oil or have less than one quarter tank of fuel available, you qualify. You are also eligible if your current heating system is shut off or will be soon due to financial strain. 

Should you require heating system repair or replacement help, apply for the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit. A successful application also provides assistance with repairing or replacing your boiler, furnace, or other heat source. 

If the Home Energy Assistance Program sounds right for you, contact State Fuel Company. The family-owned business is one of the leading home heating oil companies in Rochester, NY, and participates in this government program. They also provide an automatic delivery service so you never run out of heating oil. Call (585) 247-2380 today to schedule a delivery or visit the website to learn more.