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HEAP Changes for 2011 – 2012 (revised 1/12/12)
This year, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin on November 16, 2011. Historically, this program starts on the first Monday in November; however, there are changes this year due to reduced federal funding. Learn more about HEAP.
Some important changes to the 2011-12 HEAP benefits that you should be aware of:
- As a result of reduced federal funding, the HEAP benefit this year is:
$250 for natural gas or electric heat (2010-11 was $400)
$450 for oil, kerosene, and propane (2010-11 was $600)
$250 for wood pellets, coal, and corn (2010-11 was $600)
- Since the benefit for natural gas or electric heat has been reduced to $250, if your utility has been shut down, this amount will not turn service back on.
- If service has been shut-off, residents may apply for Temporary Assistance to address the utility emergency.
- If there is an outstanding repayment agreement to DSS, residents will not be eligible for assistance with utility service until the repayment agreement with DSS is made current.
- Emergency HEAP assistance will not be available until January 3, 2012. Historically, Emergency HEAP assistance was available at the start of the HEAP program year, generally the first Monday in November.
- The Emergency HEAP benefit this year is:
Up to $400 for natural gas heat (2010-11 was $400)
Up to $560 for electric heat (2010-11 was $400)
Up to $560 for natural gas heat and electricity (2010-11 was $400)
Up to $600 for oil, kerosene, and propane (2010-11 was $600)
Up to $350 for wood pellets, coal, and corn (2010-11 was $600)
Note: As a result, there will be situations where DSS is unable to assist residents with utility emergencies as they have in previous years.
Red Cross Care and Share Program - SCAP is now authorized to complete applications for the Red Cross Care and Share Program. It provides $200 to prevent utility disconnection. To qualify you must be disconnected from National Grid, a member of the household must be 60 years old o older OR disabled, and the customer must have applied for HEAP. Red cross Care and Share Program will also provide up to $500 for furnace repair or replacement.
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