SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (SCAP)
Deb Schimpf, 518-374-9181, scapdir@nycap.rr.com
Laura Perry, 518-374-9181, scaplaurap@nycap.rr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 22, 2011
MEDIA ADVISORY
Schenectady Community Action Program Notifies Public
Important Benefit Changes This Year to
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) Executive Director, Deb Schimpf, would like the public to be aware that there are important changes to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits for the 2011-12 seasons. These changes are largely due to reduced federal funding. SCAP is especially concerned about the customers who relied on these benefits in the past and may be counting on continued assistance this year to help get them through this season. The most significant changes include:
The HEAP benefit this year is as follows:
- $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 a customer’s utility has been shut down, this amount is not enough to turn the service back on.
- If utility service has been shut off, local residents may apply to the Schenectady County Department of Social Services (DSS) for assistance with their utility emergency.
- If there is an outstanding repayment agreement to Schenectady DSS, customers 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.
- The emergency HEAP benefit this year is:
Up to $200 for natural gas heat (2010-11 was $400)
Up to $325 for electric heat (2010-11 was $400)
Up to $325 for natural gas heat and electricity (2010-11 was $400)
Up to 550 for oil, kerosene, and propane (2010-11 was $600)
Up to $250 for wood pellets, coal and corn (2010-11 was $600)
Those who are eligible and need assistance with their winter utilities can apply for HEAP benefits by visiting SCAP at 914 Albany Street, Schenectady, N.Y., or call SCAP 518-374-9181. For more information about HEAP benefit changes, go the SCAP website.
|
