LIBERTY, NY — The 2020-2021 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) season is here.

“HEAP’s regular component—offering a one-time payment to help buy fuel to heat a home—began on Monday, November 2,” according to Sullivan County Director of Temporary Assistance Giselle Steketee. “The Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement and the Heating Equipment Clean & Tune components have already begun. They provide funding to have trained professionals inspect, service and even replace furnaces, boilers, stoves and other heating equipment.”

Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, over age 60 or permanently disabled. Officials urged residents to apply even if they think they won’t qualify. To begin the process, visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin.

In-person applicant interviews will not be required this year due to coronavirus. All interviews will be conducted via phone.

Applications can also be obtained from these community partners (please call first):

Action Toward Independence (ATI), 845/794-4228

Independent Living, 845/794-3322

Sullivan County Office for the Aging, 845/807-0241

Ulster County Community Action (at the ATI office in Monticello), 845/338-8750, ext. 320

Income thresholds for 2020-2021 Regular HEAP:

Household size monthly income maximums are as follows:

1. $2,610 2. $3,413 3. $4,216

4. $5,019 5. $5,822 6. $6,625

Sullivan County’s new four-percent energy tax will apply to recipients of HEAP who are not otherwise on public assistance. The tax is assessed on all heating fuel deliveries in Sullivan County, regardless of where the fuel vendor is located (including out-of-state vendors).

The Sullivan County HEAP Office can be reached at 845/807-0142 or heap@co.sullivan.ny.us. The fax number is 845/292-4651.