HEAP applications now being accepted

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By DON SHIPMAN

Story Created: Nov 3, 2008 at 12:43 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2008 at 10:30 AM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - As the temperatures drop, heating bills go up. The Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP is available to those right now who are in need of some extra cash this winter.

HEAP is a federally-funded program, and how much money you are given is based on income.

The assistance covers expenses such as heating, utility, and emergency situations. People can get anywhere from 40 to 540 dollars to assist with their needs.

"The program traditionally stays open through May or April," said Arline Beaty, Director Income Maintenance. "It depends upon the funds. So there's no reason that people need to worry that the money's going to run out."

If you need help with the application process, Here's a few numbers to jot down.

Senior Citizens or the disable can contact the Office for the Aging at 315-798-5456. Otherwise, call Mohawk Valley Community Action at 315-339-2649.

As for applying for HEAP in Utica head to 800 Charlotte Street.

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Tuesday, Nov 4 at 9:32 PM what ?? wrote ...

Some of you people make me sick there is some people out there that would love to work but cant cause of illness and only can live on ssd/ssi and you say to get off there butts to get a job if they could I bet they would think about them people, for the people who cheat that is wrong but dont think that everyone is cheating there is people who just cant help it or dont make alot of money like some of you do that dont need the heap. Get off your high horses and leave them alone.

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Tuesday, Nov 4 at 1:42 PM ME wrote ...

Richard Head...if you find someone to insulate homes for free, send them my way!!

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Tuesday, Nov 4 at 12:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

oh wahhh. We work very hard, own our own home, pay taxes just like you. only difference is we don't make as much as you obviously. Why should only the welfare beable to benifit from these programs, especially when we were always 10.00 over income guidelines for so long. maybe some of you that are in these high-end paying jobs that can't get any assistance should cut your pay and raise others so we wouldn't need assistance.

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Tuesday, Nov 4 at 7:51 AM Scamer wrote ...

I know people who scam the system they make 35k a year but are layed off in the winter and show there unemployment slips for the applications and get approved i work year round i dont get any help maybe they should have to show last years W2 and verify it with the employer before giving these people free heating

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Tuesday, Nov 4 at 6:39 AM ME wrote ...

My husband works and makes great money and I am unemployed. We are a homeowner and still qualify for HEAP benefits. I sat for 2 1/2 hours yesterday in Herkimer County and was told that they were only taking "emergency" application this week. Anyways...We also are taxpayers and will take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way until the economy gets back on its feet. Why shouldn't we...we've paid taxes for years!

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Monday, Nov 3 at 9:06 PM Richard Head wrote ...

Would it be cheaper if we just insulated everyone's house for them.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 5:42 PM Lilly wrote ...

All of you people sitting on your but get up and get a job. I get no help. But I know people like you who dont have a job no health unsurance. Its all you peple want is handouts free food goody baskets. You eat and live better then me . I work very hard for my money. I know people getting heap who are working under the table. I would like to report them. Yippee free handouts get in line people.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 5:30 PM HEAP is a huge help! wrote ...

I own my home. I work a full time job. My wife is disabled. I pay my bills and I take care of my kids. I pay property tax and income tax. If it weren't for HEAP my kids would freeze. During the winter, my heat bill is twice the amount of my mortgage payment. Maybe if we had a co op like Boonville I wouldn't have to depend on federal subsidies to keep my family from freezing. Oh, yeah, and all my windows (40 of them) get covered in plastic and board insulation. I suppose I'm scum though.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 4:17 PM THANK YOU ALL!! wrote ...

I am relieved that it is finally here.My food stamps and gift baskets hopefully will also soon arrive.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 3:55 PM YTMND wrote ...

I thought that the State had no money, and we had a huge deficit? Where is all this money going to come from? Oh its Federal Money so it'll come out of my paycheck under FEDTAX Column. Now I see. Spend Spend Spend, a Huge weakness. I think recipients should do like a work program to help offset the cost. How many would do that? How about I just give my whole paycheck away on Friday?

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