SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY  The 2026-2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season has kicked off.

“HEAP’s Regular component—offering a one-time payment to help buy fuel to heat a home—began November 2,” said Sullivan County Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee. She added that the Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) and the Heating Equipment Clean & Tune (C&T) components have already begun. Those “provide funding to have trained professionals inspect, service and even replace furnaces, boilers, stoves and other heating equipment for the homeowner.”

Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and whether or not the household has a member who is under age six, over age 60 or permanently disabled. 

You might qualify even if you think you won’t, so to apply for a 2026-2027 HEAP grant, go to www.mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin or call 845/807-0142. 

In-person applications are being accepted in two places:

The Office for the Aging, 100 North St. in Monticello. Call ahead to confirm at 845/807-0241.

The Department of Social Services is located at 16 Community Lane in Liberty, but call ahead to confirm at 845/292-0100. 

Applications can also be obtained from the county’s community partners (but call first):

Action Toward Independence, 309 E. Broadway, Suite A, Monticello, 845/794-4228

Independent Living, 14 Pelton St., Monticello, 845/794-3322

The Sullivan County HEAP Office can be reached at 845/807-0142 (hit option #2) or HEAP@sullivanny.gov. The fax number is 845/292-4651.

Electric companies weigh in too

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) as well are encouraging eligible customers to apply for HEAP.

“We know energy costs can put pressure on household budgets, especially as we head into the winter months,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for NYSEG and RG&E. 

Income-eligible customers can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season. 

Regular HEAP is scheduled to remain open through April 16, 2027. Program dates are subject to change based on funding availability and demand.

In addition to regular HEAP, households may be eligible for Emergency HEAP benefits. The number of emergency benefits varies per season depending on the availability of funds. The 2026-2027 Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open on January 4, 2027.

Customers who receive HEAP will automatically be enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP). This program provides an additional credit to their monthly bill. Customers may also qualify for EAP through other eligible assistance programs. 

Customers can learn more about EAP at www.nyseg.com/account/waystopay/help-with-bill/eap-and-eeap.

NYSEG and RG&E also encourage eligible customers who do not qualify for HEAP or another EAP-accepted program to enroll in the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP). This program can help households reduce their energy burden by providing bill credits. Eligible customers can apply by visiting www.nyeeap.com/program.

For more information on HEAP, customers are encouraged to visit www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ or call 800/342-3009. NYSEG and RG&E customers can apply for HEAP online at www.myBenefits.ny.gov or in person at their local Department of Social Services.