HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HEAP PROGRAM 175 Fulton Avenue, 4th Floor Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 565-4327

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Purpose: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assists low-income households meet the high cost of home energy and utility expenses. Over 2,700 clients are served annually. EAC has been administering the HEAP Program since 1991.

Description: HEAP is a federally funded program which provides eligible households with benefits to assist with their heating and utility costs. EAC is under contract with the Nassau County Department of Social Services to process HEAP applications. To determine eligibility, interested residents must complete a HEAP application and submit documentation to verify household members, gross income, residence and type of heat or utilities. Gross income includes but is not limited to salary, pension/retirement benefits, social security, unemployment benefits and worker's compensation. All applicants are interviewed by a worker to evaluate their application and determine eligibility.
Eligible HEAP applicants may also apply for additional programs in our office. HEAP staff process applications for Verizon's LIFELINE Program, which offers discounted phone service for eligible clients. Client applications for free weatherization services for their homes are also processed. Clients who have exhausted their HEAP benefits may apply for PROJECT WARMTH benefits, which helps clients who are in immediate need of oil or who have a scheduled termination notice from LIPA or KEYPSPAN. Project Warmth benefits are provided through United Way and LIPA. Voter registration applications are also available for clients. Additional referrals are given for Food Stamps, Public Assistance and Emergency Assistance.

Funding: Funding for HEAP is provided by Nassau County Department of Social Services.