Erie County Legislature

Republican Caucus

Friday, April 9, 2010 – For immediate release

Contact – Jessica L. Finch, Director of Communications, (716) 858-8808

HEAP Outreach to be held April 21

(Tonawanda, NY) – Erie County Legislator Kevin R. Hardwick, R-District 10, will sponsor a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at the United Way Office, 34 Seymour St., Tonawanda.

HEAP is a federally funded program designed to assist Erie County residents with their heating bills.  The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Department of Social Services and is open to all income-eligible households.

“This service is provided to residents in need of assistance and I encourage anyone in need to call for information or apply,” said Legislator Hardwick.

If a household has received a shut-off notice, the applicants are encouraged to bring it with them to the site and they may be eligible for emergency services.

The following documentation is required:

·        One form of identification for all members of the household (birth certificate, license, Social Security card)

·        Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members’ income (unemployment benefits, worker’s compensation, etc.)

·        Current heat and/or electric bills

·        Current shut-off notice, or statement of low fuel supply, if applicable

·        Proof of all household resources, including, current checking and savings account bank statements, proof of other resources (stocks, bonds, IRAs, 401K, etc.)

(more)

Chart for Gross Monthly Income Eligibility

Household Size            Gross Monthly Income

1        $2,030

2        $2,654

3        $3,279

4        $3,903

5        $4,528

6        $5,152

7        $5,269

The HEAP hotline number is 858-7644.  If the applicant is missing information they may be allowed to mail the information to complete the process.