Nov 06 2008
States now accepting HEAP applications
Most states started taking applications for HEAP (or LIHEAP in some states) in November 2. For those who don’t know, HEAP is a program that helps lower income families afford their heating bills in the winter. There are two types of HEAP: regular and emergency. I used to work for a gas company and we had to handle both types. With the regular HEAP, they just give you a certain amount (last year was $300 for my family) and it usually takes a few months before they send the payment to your energy company. With the emergency, you have to be out of oil/propane or not be able to pay your gas bill. I am not sure the details on the emergency HEAP, but I know you have to have a statement from the company.
The reason I am bringing all this up is that I want those of you who qualify and might not know it, to be able to sign up if you’d like. I don’t know what energy prices are going to be like this winter. Gas has gone down, but who knows what the companies will be charging for fuel oil or propane. Up here in New York State, I am expecting a bad winter, since we haven’t had one in a while. So, with that comes using more gas and, of course, a higher energy bill.
My family qualifies for HEAP, along with WIC. I am a stay-at-home mom and I take classes at the local college, so the only income coming in is my husband’s. For a family of five to qualify for HEAP in New York State, their gross income per week has to be less than $1010 a week! My husband makes around $800. There are probably a lot of people out there who qualify and don’t even know. Here’s the breakdown of how much you can make a month and qualify:
People Monthly Gross
| 1 | $ 1963 |
| 2 | $ 2567 |
| 3 | $ 3172 |
| 4 | $ 3766 |
| 5 | $ 4380 |
| 6 | $ 4974 |
These are New York state amounts, but I am sure that other states are similar since it is a federal program, just administered by the states. Here is a link, if you need to look up a larger family or from a different state. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/grantees/states.html You can also get information about where to call with this link. If you have a really old and inefficient furnace (or even air conditioner in places like Texas) you may even qualify to get your old one fixed or upgraded.
So, check it out. See if you qualify. Let me know what you think. Leave me your comments or even your questions.
