HEAP guidelines changed

Erie County Legislator Edward Rath III, R-15th District, said the income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program have changed.

"Please check the new guidelines to see if your family is eligible," he said. "Additionally, if you are in need of a second emergency payment due to a shutoff notice, it is now available."

Applications will be accepted for the federally funded HEAP from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 in the Council Chambers of the Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville. The doors open at 7 a.m.

HEAP guarantees service to the first 80 applicants who sign in at Outreach. All prospective clientele will be interviewed regardless of age or disability.

Applicants should come prepared with the following: one form of ID for all household members (birth certificate, license, Social Security card); proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker's compensation, etc.); current shut off or disconnect notices, if applicable; and proof of all household resources including current checking and savings account bank statements or proof of other resources, such as stocks, bonds, IRAs or 401ks.

If the applicant is missing information, he or she may be allowed to mail the information in order to complete the application process.

Guidelines for monthly income are as follows, with the numbers 1-9 representing the household size:
1 - $0 - $1,876
2 - $0 - $2,454
3 - $0 - $3,031
4 - $0 - $3,609
5 - $0 - $4,186
6 - $0 - $4,763
7 - $0 - $4,871
8 - $0 - $4,980
9 - $0 - $5,088

HEAP is not doing basics and emergency shutoffs at the same time this year.

For questions, leave a message at 633-0617, and the call will be returned the next business day. Also, e-mail at dallyl@erie.gov.