45°
Grants for the 2015-16 winter heating season are available beginning Monday, and customers experiencing a financial hardship this winter are encouraged to apply through their local Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging. Qualifying families may also be eligible to receive additional benefits from Central Hudson.
“Customers who are eligible for HEAP and use electricity or natural gas as their primary heating source may receive a regular benefit $350 or more, depending on family income guidelines, applied toward their Central Hudson account,” said Charles A. Freni, senior vice president of customer services.
Eligibility is based on family income and size. This season, for example, a family of four earning up to $4,316 per month (or $51,792 per year) may qualify for a regular HEAP benefit. Additional benefits are available to households based on income levels and to those with vulnerable individuals living in residence. The HEAP program also offers heating equipment repair or replacement up to $6,500 to eligible families.
He added that certain benefits are also available to eligible customers who have heating costs included in rent. Eligible customers who use electricity or natural gas to heat their residence may also qualify for an additional Emergency HEAP benefit of $350 to $490 beginning Jan. 4.
“Central Hudson customers who receive HEAP benefits toward their account during the 2015-2016 HEAP season will also be issued a bill credit of between $5.50 and $23 per month on their Central Hudson bill, depending on the type of service received, for a maximum of 12 months,” said Freni. “We’re pleased to continue to provide this additional support for our customers who may be facing financial difficulties.”
To learn of eligibility requirements and how to apply for HEAP benefits, contact the Department of Social Services HEAP in Dutchess County by calling 845-486-3249 or at 845-486-2555
For more information on HEAP eligibility requirements and benefits, visit http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp; and for more on all of Central Hudson’s assistance and billing programs, visit www.CentralHudson.com, and click on “My Account.”
Attachments:Click here to follow Daily Voice East Dutchess and receive free news updates.
