SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The 2024-2025 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 have already begun. 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, so to apply for a 2024-2025 HEAP grant, go to www.mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin or call 845/807-0142.

In-person applications are 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

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

To learn about income thresholds and more, call the county HEAP office at 845/807-0142 (hit option 2) or email heap@sullivanny.us.