Home heating is a necessity. People over age 60 and those under 60 who are on Social Security Disability, but who are not receiving food stamps or other public assistance, can get an application by calling the hotline. The federally funded program awards benefits based on income guidelines which have been updated to reflect last year s sharp increase in oil prices. In addition to assistance paying heating bills, seniors may be eligible to receive benefits to help in emergencies, such as running out of heating oil, receiving a disconnect notice from LIPA or needing fuel burner repair or replacement. Gaffney urges homeowners as well as renters to apply for HEAP assistance as soon as possible, because the program remains open only as long as funds are available.
Applications take four to six weeks to process.