(Erie County, NY) – Due to COVID-19 restrictions, traditional in-person HEAP outreach will be conducted by the Erie County Department of Social Services via telephone this year. Appointments for a personal phone call can be made by contacting your Erie County Legislator’s District Office or Erie County’s HEAP office directly at (716) 858-7644.

Applicants are being encouraged to sign up online safely at www.mybenefits.ny.gov when possible. A list of required documentation can be found at www.erie.gov/HEAP. Interested applicants can also email heapoutreach@erie.gov with questions. Anyone with a life threatening heating emergency or a disconnect notice is encouraged to contact 2-1-1.

Income guidelines for HEAP applicants have been expanded by New York State. The current guidelines for the 2020-2021 season are:

Household Size                                                                        Maximum Gross Monthly Income

HEAP applications open on November 2^nd and are filled on a first come, first served basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Anyone currently receiving SNAP or TA benefits should confirm whether or not their HEAP application is automatic by contacting the Erie County HEAP office directly.