HEAP season starts Nov. 18

The 2013-14 Home Energy Assistance Program season will open on Nov. 18 with a streamlined application process.

Applications already have been sent to qualified individuals that received HEAP last year and meet the early outreach criteria.

Seniors can obtain help with their applications through the Dale Association Senior/Family Center in Lockport, the Carousel Senior Center in North Tonawanda, and the Duke Senior Center in Niagara Falls, where volunteers will be available to assist with early outreach application completion, filing on-line and are authorized to accept applications on behalf of Alternate Certifier - Office For Aging.

The Office for Aging at 111 Main St., Lockport, also has a friendly staff to assist with early outreach applications.

No new HEAP applications can be accepted prior to Nov. 18 except for those who received notice that they qualified. All other applicants for HEAP can begin filing their applications on line at MyBenefits.ny.gov on Nov. 18, by mail or in person at the Niagara County Department of Social Services offices at 301 10th St., Niagara Falls, or 20 East Ave., Lockport.

No HEAP funding is available this year for furnace repair or replacement.

Questions regarding HEAP should be made by calling 716-278-8400 or by visiting http://www.niagaracounty.com/socialservices/Home.aspx.