Hardwick to hold HEAP outreach date to assist residents in need

The Erie County Legislature has announced that Home Energy Assistance Program outreaches will be held throughout the county to assistance residents in need this year. Attendees do not have to live in the specific town/village/city hosting the outreach to attend.

Interviews will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. All applicants will be interviewed.

HEAP is a federally funded program to assist income eligible Erie County residents with the costs of home heating, electricity, and energy conservation. The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income-eligible households.

Legislator Kevin Hardwick will host a HEAP outreach on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Grand Island Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, in the Nike Base park.

Applicants must bring the following documentation to the outreach:

1) Proof of gross income received within the last 30 days for all household members

• Wages: If paid weekly, last four paystubs
• Wages: If paid biweekly, last two paystubs
• Award letters, if applicable (Social Security, pension, unemployment, Workers Compensation, disability, etc.)
• Yearly statement of interest received (savings, checking, CDs, money market account, etc.)
• Dividend proof (stocks, bonds securities, etc.)

2) Social Security numbers for all household members

3) One form of ID for all household members (birth certificate or Social Security card or driver's license or school ID, etc.)

4) Proof of residency (Rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bill)

5) Current heat and/or electric bill.

For questions or additional information, call the HEAP Hotline at 716-858-7644 or HEAP Application Request Line at 716-858-1969.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as HEAP benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency HEAP benefits will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2014.

To request an application, call 716-858-8850.