LIBERTY – New York State has announced an Emergency HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefit is available, beginning January 2.

“Applicants must have exhausted – or have unavailable to them – the original Regular benefit,” notes Sullivan County Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee. “An emergency situation is when a client has less than a ¼ tank of fuel, less than a 10-day supply of wood, coal or pellets, or has a termination notice from a utility company (if they have electric heat or if electricity is required to run a furnace).”

Applicants for the Emergency HEAP benefit must apply over the phone (845-807-0142) or in person. This benefit is NOT given automatically. In-person applications will be accepted at the Department of Social Services, but please call ahead to confirm.

Heating Type - Emergency Benefit Amount

Heat-Related Domestic- $185

Natural Gas Heat Only - $400

Natural Gas Combined with Heat-Related Domestic - $585

Electric Heat Combined with Heat-Related Domestic - $585

Oil, Kerosene, Propane - $900

Wood, Pellets, Coal, Corn, Other - $635

Regular HEAP Also Available.

For those who have yet to apply for HEAP at all this season, the Regular HEAP benefit – offering a one-time payment to help buy fuel to heat a home – remains available. 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 6, over age 60 or permanently disabled. 

You may qualify even if you think you won’t, so to apply for a 2024-2025 HEAP grant, go to https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin

The Sullivan County HEAP Office can be reached at 845-807-0142 (hit option #2) or HEAP@sullivanny.gov. The fax number is 845-292-4651. 

Applications can also be obtained from the County’s community partners (please call first):

• Action Toward Independence, 845-794-4228

• Independent Living, 845-794-3322

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