Majority Legislators Announce $60,000 for

Home Energy Assistance Program

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and fellow majority members approved a supplemental appropriation of $60,000 in grant funds for the County’s Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP) to help low-income households meet the high cost of home energy.

“Even though winter is just getting started, many Nassau County homeowners are already chilled at the thought of the cost of heating their homes,” Jacobs said. This county program will provide outreach and prescreening services for HEAP for low income-eligible seniors, 60 and over, so that they may receive assistance with home energy needs. The program serves about 4,000 people annually.

Those who pay separately for heating costs and households, other than subsidized housing, whose heat is included in their rent, may be eligible for a one time regular benefit during the program year. The HEAP year generally begins in Novemberand closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March. Seniors (age 60 and over), and persons of all ages who are permanently disabled or receiving SSI benefits should contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-7386 for further information and an application.

All others, including seniors in an emergency situation, must apply in person, or designate someone to apply for them, at: EAC Inc., 175 Fulton Avenue,4th Floor, Hempstead, N.Y., 11550, 516-565-4327.

Benefits under the Emergency HEAP component can also help prevent utility shut offs, provide emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replace essential, applicant-owned heating equipment. HEAP eligibility is based on the income of a household and the housing situation. Eligible households that do pay directly for heat receive a benefit amount ranging from $200 to $400.

“This year’s eligibility levels have changed,” said Dr. Sharon Mullon, Commissioner of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs.“Households whose combined monthly income falls below $1,764 for a single person or $2,307 for a couple may now be eligible for benefits.”

In addition, legislators also approved a supplemental appropriation in grants funds of $234,641 for the Weatherization Referral & Packaging (WRAP) Grant form the New York State Office of the Aging to provide client outreach, screening and referral for weatherization services to eligible, low income Nassau County residents, 60 and over.