Riverhead Center

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded initiative designed to support eligible households in fulfilling their energy requirements. If you qualify, you can receive one standard HEAP benefit each program year and may also qualify for emergency HEAP benefits if you face imminent fuel depletion or risk of utility service disconnection. The Regular HEAP benefit for the 2024-2025 season became available on November 1, 2024, while the First and Second Emergency benefits are set to commence on January 2, 2025. The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit opened on October 1, 2024, and the Cooling Assistance Benefit is expected to start on April 15, 2025.

To apply, low-income households can visit www.mybenefitsny.gov to apply online, download an application from http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/apply/, or reach out to a HEAP site for assistance. Emergency HEAP is available for households with a utility disconnection notice, those who have been disconnected, or those with less than a 10-day fuel supply. Households receiving Public Assistance or Food Stamps should call (Suffolk 631-853-8820) for help. Non-Public Assistance or Food Stamp households can apply at a HEAP site. For equipment repair or replacement of primary heating systems, applications should also be submitted at the HEAP site. The program allows for the purchase and installation of one air conditioner per household, up to a specified limit, or a fan for eligible households. A list of participating Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendors can be obtained from the DSS office. Clients are responsible for maintaining the air conditioner, including its removal, covering, storage, and reinstallation after vendor setup.

Fees: Clients are advised to call the agency for further details.