As temperatures begin to drop across Sullivan County, residents struggling with heating costs may qualify for financial assistance through New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Applications for the 2026-2027 heating season opened November 2, offering eligible households help paying for heating fuel, electricity and, in some cases, furnace repairs or replacements.

Rosemary Wolff, HEAP coordinator for the Sullivan County Department of Social Services, spoke with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo about the program, eligibility requirements and how residents can apply.

HEAP is designed to supplement household heating expenses during the winter months. Assistance is available for a variety of heating sources, including fuel oil, kerosene, propane, electricity, wood pellets and coal.

The amount of assistance varies depending on the type of heating fuel and household circumstances.

Wolff said eligible households using fuel oil are currently receiving benefits of $1,000.

Eligibility is primarily determined by household size and income. For the 2026-2027 season, a single-person household can earn up to $3,563 in gross monthly income and still qualify. A household of five can earn up to $7,948 per month.

Wolff emphasized that the program’s income limits are higher than those for many other public assistance programs, meaning some households that do not qualify for other services may still be eligible for HEAP.

Renters can also qualify, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and can document their heating expenses and residency.

Homeowners may be eligible for additional assistance through HEAP’s heating equipment maintenance, repair and replacement programs.

The Clean and Tune benefit covers preventive maintenance intended to keep heating equipment operating properly. Services may include replacing filters, cleaning equipment and installing a programmable thermostat.

For homeowners whose heating systems stop functioning, a separate program may cover up to $4,000 for repairs or $8,000 for replacement, depending on eligibility.

Wolff explained that residents approved for these services can select from participating vendors authorized to work with the state. Payments are made directly to the vendor rather than the homeowner.

Another component of HEAP provides emergency assistance for households facing an immediate heating crisis.

Wolff said Emergency HEAP is expected to become available January 4, 2027, for eligible households facing situations such as having less than a quarter tank of heating fuel or a limited supply of wood and being unable to afford additional fuel.

Unlike regular HEAP, emergency assistance also considers financial resources, including available savings and certain investment accounts.

Wolff said one of the most common problems that delays applications is submitting incorrect income documentation.

Applicants generally need to provide proof of income from the previous 30 days, which could include four weekly pay stubs or two biweekly pay stubs.

Providing older pay stubs instead of those requested can delay processing.

Residents denied assistance because of their income may reapply if their financial circumstances change. They can also request a review of their application or seek a fair hearing if they believe a decision was incorrect.

Wolff encouraged residents who are uncertain about their eligibility to contact the county rather than assume they do not qualify.

“If you don’t call and ask, you won’t know if you’re eligible or not,” Wolff said.

She added that with current heating fuel costs, residents should explore the assistance available before the coldest weather arrives.

Residents can apply online through New York State’s myBenefits website or contact the Sullivan County HEAP office at 845-807-0142.

Applications and assistance are also available through the Sullivan County Office for the Aging and participating community organizations.

For more information about eligibility, required documentation and how to apply, visit the Sullivan County Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) website.