Application for HEAP benefits to be available soon

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The yearly federally-subsidized Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is set to open for applicants through the Cortland County Department of Social Services (DSS) on Nov. 1, providing financial help with heating costs for low income applicants.

The program will last until March 15 next year. Eligibility for the program is calculated on  maximum gross monthly income thresholds. For example, households with one occupant making less than $2,852 are eligible to receive HEAP assistance. 

Below is a table from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) showing the income thresholds:

Another table from OTDA shows the benefit amounts based on living situation:

Residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are automatically set to receive HEAP assistance. For emergency cases where residents have been informed of a power shutoff or have less than a quarter of a tank of fuel, the HEAP emergency line can be reached at (607)-428-5400. Residents with more urgent cases can visit the Cortland DSS office. There is also a paper document drop box outside the main entrance to the County Office Building.

Individuals 60-years-and-older can contact the Cortland County Agency Area on Aging at (607)-753-5060. 

HEAP assistance could help with increased costs coming for National Grid customers this winter.

The company announced in September that based on current market conditions, National Grid’s residential natural gas customers who use an average of 713 therms during the five-month winter heating season — Nov. 1, 2022, to March 30, 2023 — are forecasted to pay about $263 more than last winter. 

That’s a 39% increase for the same amount of energy use over five months, with $231 of that increase attributed to higher wholesale supply prices. The remaining portion of the increase is related to delivery price increases approved as part of the company’s multi-year rate agreement and other customer bill surcharges. 

“We recognize that higher energy prices will add to the financial burden for our customers who are struggling with higher costs at the grocery store, gas pump and elsewhere,” said Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid’s New York vice president for customer and community engagement. “Our commitment is to support our customers by helping them stay warm and safe this winter. National Grid has many assistance programs available, as well as energy saving strategies, resources and tips. We are encouraging our customers to take action now, before the cold weather arrives.”

For Central New York residential customers of the company’s electric services, the rate is forecasted to go up about $22 or just under 5% more than last season, with $11 of that increase attributed to higher supply prices, and the remaining amount associated with a regulatory-approved delivery price increase and other bill surcharges. The forecast is based on average electricity use of 600 kilowatt-hour per month.