Home heating oil and propane can keep your furnace running dependably throughout the cold months, ensuring your living space remains warm and cozy. Homeowners and renters may qualify for financial help with the cost of fuel through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can keep residential heating expenses to a minimum. If you're interested in this program, here's what to know about how it works and whether you're eligible. 

What Is the Home Energy Assistance Program?

HEAP is a program available through New York State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). It provides funding that low-income residents of the state may use to pay for the cost of heating their homes. More specifically, the program can cover part or all of the cost of primary heat sources, such as home heating oil and propane. 

If you qualify for regular benefits, HEAP will directly pay the participating vendor that supplies your residential heat source. Base benefit amounts begin at $21 but may exceed $675 annually, depending on your household's heating needs and eligibility.     

Who Is Eligible? 

Eligibility for HEAP depends on your income, household size, and primary heating source. On the OTDA website, you may view a table that displays the maximum monthly income per household size to determine your eligibility. Additionally, the members of your household should be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens. 

You may also be eligible if any member of your household is under six years old, 60 or older, or permanently disabled. Other possible qualifications include receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance, or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone). Finally, to be eligible, your home must use electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, or kerosene as a primary source of heat. 

What Are the Emergency Benefits?      

HEAP also issues emergency benefits in certain crises involving home heating. For instance, if you run out of fuel or your natural gas supply gets shut off, you might qualify for emergency funds if your income is at or below the guidelines listed on the OTDA website. Emergency benefit amounts range from $140 to $675, depending on the heat source and type of emergency. 

Keep your home warm and comfortable throughout winter with help from Main Energy in Palmyra. They provide home heating oil, propane, and kerosene, including automatic delivery and 24-hour emergency services, to homeowners throughout Upstate New York. They work with HEAP to ensure you can get the fuel you need to keep your heating system functioning all season long. Call (315) 597-5200 to schedule oil delivery, and visit the website to learn more about how they can provide you with a dependable supply of fuel.