Program to Continue Accepting Applicants for the 2013-2014 Season

ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Social Services’ Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) will continue to accept applications for regular benefits for the 2013-14 heating season after  the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (“OTDA”) authorized an extension of  regular HEAP benefits for New York residents who qualify. The regular benefit component had been scheduled to close on February 1.

“This extension is great news to the many families and individuals who are struggling with heating costs during what has been an unusually cold winter,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I encourage all residents who need the assistance to register as soon as possible.”

Last winter, more than 1.4 million households in New York State, including 95,000 households in Erie County, received HEAP benefits.

For more information on applying for HEAP, call (716) 858-7644, or apply online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov .