Niagara County Social Services: HEAP application process begins Nov. 1

Submitted by the Public Information Office

Niagara County Social Services Commissioner Meghan Lutz announced the 2023-24 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application window will open Wednesday, Nov. 1, with a streamlined application process. Applications have already been sent to qualified individuals who received HEAP last year and meet the early outreach criteria.

“We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter,” Lutz said. “That why it is so important that people get their applications submitted once the HEAP application process begins.”

For those who have not been notified that they qualify for early outreach, HEAP applications are not available until Nov. 1. After Nov. 1, applications can be filed online at MyBenefits.ny.gov, 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.

Seniors can obtain help through Niagara County’s Office for the Aging (OFA) at 111 Main St., Lockport, where staff will be available to assist with early outreach application completion during regular office hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. OFA can be reached at 716-438-4020.

In addition, beginning this week, HEAP funding for 2023-24 furnace repair or replacement is now available.

Questions regarding HEAP should be made to 716-278-8400 or by visiting its website at https://www.niagaracounty.com/departments/s-z/social_services/heap.php.

Residents can apply online at https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/.

More information about the HEAP program can be found at http://www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.