LIBERTY, NY — The 2023-2024 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 on November 1, said Sullivan County Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee. And the Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) and the Heating Equipment Clean & Tune (C&T) components are in place too. “They 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. To apply for a 2023-2024 HEAP grant, visit mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin (on or after November 1) or call 845/807-0142.

In-person applications will be accepted at the Office for the Aging and the Department of Social Services, but call ahead to confirm.

Applications can also be obtained from the county’s community partners (call first): Action Toward Independence, 845/794-4228; Independent Living, 845/794-3322; and Sullivan County Office for the Aging, 845/807-0241.

Income thresholds for 2023-2024 Regular HEAP:

Household Sz Monthly Income Max.

1 $3,035

2 $3,970

3 $4,904

4 $5,838

5 $6,772

6 $7,706

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

Dan Hust is the Sullivan County director of communications.