HEAP applications will only be accepted on or after HEAP opening day, 10/01/21

You may mail a completed application to:

PO Box 18100 Hauppauge, NY 11788

or

Fax a completed application to:

(631) 853-8969 or 853-8822

or

File an application online at: Mybenefits.ny.gov

or

File a completed application in person at any of the three HEAP service centers:

• Southwest Center, 2 South 2nd St. Deer Park, NY 11729
• Smithtown Center, 200 Wireless Blvd. Hauppauge, NY 11788
• Riverhead Center, 893 E. Main St. Riverhead, NY 11901

NOTE: In an effort to better serve the public, we are working to keep the lines and wait times in the service centers to a minimum. We suggest that you do not file an application in person unless you have an emergency need. Applications submitted by mail, fax or online will be processed at the same rate as applications filed in person.

You may not need to file a HEAP application if your active case is eligible for an automatic HEAP benefit.

• To find out if you will receive an automatic HEAP benefit after opening day, please call 853-8820.
• If you are not on the automatic HEAP benefit list, there may be steps you can take for the near future to ensure your benefits. A HEAP representative will guide you through the process when you call.

Yes, a new HEAP application has to be filed every HEAP season for those who do not have an active SNAP or Temporary Assistance case.

No. While some guidelines for HEAP and SNAP are similar, income guidelines are not the same. You are still required to file a separate application for SNAP benefits to have eligibility determined. You may file for SNAP online at: Mybenefits.ny.gov

You may also file a SNAP application by mail or in person at one of our four DSS Service centers:

• Southwest Center, 2 South 2nd St. Deer Park, NY 11729
• Smithtown Center, 200 Wireless Blvd. Hauppauge, NY 11788
• Coram Center, 80 Middle Country Road Coram, NY 11727
• Riverhead Center, 893 E. Main St. Riverhead, NY 11901

No. It is not necessary to file a HEAP application on opening day. There will be sufficient funding for the regular HEAP benefit for eligible households, providing you file your application anytime while HEAP is open. If HEAP will close early, the public will be notified.

If you apply in person with an emergency need, and a determination is made the same day, you will receive a hand delivered manual notice of approval or denial. If determination is not made the same day, you will receive notification by mail through the Client Notification System (CNS), when your benefit has been approved or denied.
If you apply by mail, fax or online, you will receive notification by mail, through the Client Notification System (CNS), that your benefit was approved or denied.

Once you are approved for a HEAP benefit:

• If your benefit is going to your vendor directly for your fuel, they will receive the benefit up to approximately 2 weeks after you receive your approval notice by mail. When your vendor receives the benefit, they will contact you to set up your fuel delivery. If you have not heard from the vendor 2 weeks after you receive your approval notice, you can contact them to confirm receipt. *Please ensure that the vendor you choose to deliver your benefit has your current address and telephone # on file.
• If your heat is included in your rent, and you qualify for a heater’s benefit only:
• If you have an active SNAP or Temporary Assistance case, your benefit will be available on your EBT card up to approximately 2 weeks after you receive your approval notice in the mail.
• If you do not have an active SNAP or Temporary Assistance case, you will receive a check in the mail up to approximately 2 weeks after you receive your approval notice in the mail.
• In some cases, the heater’s benefit will be sent directly to PSEG to reduce your heat related electricity bill. Contact HEAP Central @ 853-8820 with any questions.

No, this benefit is not an additional HEAP benefit. It is an emergency Temporary Assistance benefit that may have to be paid back. This benefit is to be applied for only if you have an unforeseen emergency and you completely ran out of fuel after business hours, when all centers are closed. This benefit may be applied for only once and you must be completely out of fuel. Vendors are authorized to charge extra fees for the delivery of this after-hours emergency benefit, and your household may be responsible for these fees. The amount of money charged for the emergency fuel delivery may be taken out of your regular or emergency HEAP benefit amount. Not every household qualifies for this benefit; eligibility will be determined at the time of your request for the assistance. Request for this emergency benefit should only be utilized as a last resort if you have no other way to meet your emergency. The agency may offer an emergency housing placement in lieu of a fuel delivery.

Yes, you may call the Office for the Aging (OFA) @ 853-8326. OFA staff will assist you with filing a HEAP application and submitting necessary documents. They may also advise you as to other programs for which you may be eligible.