A Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach will be held Monday, Feb. 4 at Blasdell Village Hall, 121 Miriam Ave. Interviews will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Doors open at 8:30am. All applicants will be interviewed.

HEAP is a federally funded program to assist income eligible Erie County residents with the costs of home heating, electricity, and energy conservation. The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income eligible households.

“Many individuals and families in need of assistance this year might be going through the process for the first time and may find it overwhelming. Anyone with questions about HEAP is encouraged to attend the outreach or contact the HEAP office,” said Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon. “Residents do not have to wait for an outreach to apply for HEAP, please contact my office for an application.”

Applicants must bring the following documentation to the outreach:

Proof of gross income received within the last 30 days for all household members; Wages: If paid weekly, last four paystubs; Wages: If paid bi-weekly, last two paystubs; Award letters, if applicable (Social Security, Pension, Unemployment, Workers Comp, Disability, etc.); Yearly statement of interest received (savings, checking, CDs, money market account, etc.); Dividend proof (stocks, bonds securities, etc.) ; Social Security numbers for all household members; One form of ID for all household members (birth certificate or Social Security card or driver’s license or school ID, etc.); Proof of residency (Rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bill); and Current heat and/or electric bill.

For questions or additional information, please call the HEAP Hotline at 858-7644 or HEAP Application Request Line at (716) 858-1969

The HEAP 2012-2013 income guidelines are as follows:

Household Size Gross Monthly Income

1 $ 0 - 2,138

2 $ 0 - 2,796

3 $ 0 - 3,453

4 $ 0 - 4,111

5 $ 0 - 4,769

6 $ 0 - 5,427

7 $ 0 - 5,550

8 $ 0 - 5,673

9 $ 0 - 5,797

10 $ 0 - 5,920

11 $ 0 - 6,346

11 + + $495 per each household member.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as HEAP benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off.

To request a HEAP application, please contact Legislator Dixon at (716) 858-8671 or email mailto:lynne.dixon@erie.gov, or visit www.erie.gov/socialservices.