Announcements

2020 - 2021
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

Helps eligible low-income individuals meet the high costs of home heating. The HEAP program will begin on November 2, 2020.

Income Eligibility Guidelines for the 2020-2021 Heating Season Household Size Maximum Monthly Income

1………...$2,610
2……….. $3,413
3……….. $4,216

To apply for HEAP call:

Age 60 and over, or disabled:
631-853-8326

Under age 60: 631-853-8820


The 2020-2021 Emergency benefit opened January 4, 2021.

Beginning April 16, 2021, a third Emergency benefit is available for households who have exhausted both the Regular and first Emergency HEAP benefits and who are in a heat or heat-related energy emergency, as defined by HEAP, and who meet the eligibility guidelines for Emergency benefit assistance.

If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.

Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on:

  • income,
  • available resources, and
  • the type of

If you have an emergency, you must contact the Department of Social Service.

Emergencies after 4:30 and on weekends:
631-854-9100

HEATING EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

If you are a homeowner and eligible, the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit can help you repair or replace your furnace, boiler and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep your home’s primary heating source working.

Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace your furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment, $3,000 for a repair and $6,500 for a replacement.

You may call your local DSS office to apply. The in-person interview and application requirement is temporarily suspended. Your local district contact will decide if you meet all the eligibility conditions, including the income and resource requirements. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

CLEAN AND TUNE BENEFIT

Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Clean and Tune ENGLISH Clean and Tune SPANISH

HEAP Cooling Assistance (CAC)

Eligible households may apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program’s (HEAP) Cooling Assistance benefit. This benefit provides assistance to a HEAP eligible household that includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. HEAP Cooling Assistance provides for the purchase and installation of window air conditioners or fans. This benefit does not help with paying your PSEG electric bill. Applications are now being accepted and will continue until available funds are exhausted.

In order to be eligible for HEAP Cooling Assistance, clients must:

  • Meet income requirements for HEAP.
  • Have at least one household member with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. A doctor’s note must be provided.
  • Not have a working air conditioner less than five years old, as determined by the vendor.
  • Not have received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Households requesting the Cooling benefit must complete the enclosed Cooling Assistance Application and have a doctor complete the HEAP Doctors Note form and return to the following address.

Due to the current health crisis, please be advised that applications should be mailed or faxed.

By Mail: DSS – HEAP Central
PO Box 18100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Attn: HEAP Cooling Benefit

By FAX: (631) 853-8822

Cooling Assistance Application ENGLISH Cooling Assistance Application SPANISH HEAP Cooling DR Note EP 803 B

Welcome from County Executive Steve Bellone

The Suffolk County Office for the Aging is the designated Area Agency on Aging under the Older Americans Act. For over 40 years, Suffolk County Office for the Aging has administered federal, state and county programs for persons 60 years of age and older.

Specific goals for the Office are to develop a comprehensive service system designed to assist persons 60 years of age and older in maintaining maximum independence and dignity, to remove barriers to economic and personal independence, and to provide a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. Most importantly, Suffolk County Office for the Aging acts as advocate on behalf of all Suffolk County senior citizens.


When is Medicare open enrollment for 2021 coverage?

Medicare open enrollment – also known as Medicare’s annual election period – runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this annual window, Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage – whether it’s Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage – and make changes or purchase new policies if they want to do so.

During the Medicare open enrollment period, you can:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (as long as you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and you live in the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area).
  • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (plus a Medicare Part D plan, and possibly a Medigap Plan).
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
  • Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another.
  • Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t enroll when you were first eligible for Medicare. If you haven’t maintained other creditable coverage, a late-enrollment penalty may apply.

Prior to 2021, patients with end-stage renal disease were unable to enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans unless there was a Medicare Special Needs plan available in their area for ESRD patients. But that is changing for 2021, under the terms of the 21st Century Cures Act. People with ESRD have the option to enroll in Medicare Advantage for 2021.


Get Set Up

Get Set Up is an online community based platform. It is a place for older adults to learn, connect, and share with peers in the comfort of their own homes.

Classes are taught by other older adults who are professionals in their fields. There are 300 plus topics offered. Class topics include social and mental health and other topical interests. With 40+ classes each weekday and 10+ classes each weekend, there is always something available to meet your interests and schedule.

The Suffolk County Office for the Aging is working in conjunction with New York State Office for the Aging to offer virtual programming through Get Set Up at no cost to you. Get Set Up is great for older adults who have a basic level of computer literacy. All you need to participate is a personal computer or tablet that has internet access.

For more information, use the link below:

NYSOFA Launches 300+ Live Online Classes For Isolated Older New Yorkers | Office for the Aging

Get Set Up


2021 Farmers Market Program

Suffolk County Office for the Aging is pleased to participate in the annual New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This program provides income eligible residents over age 60 with a $20.00 coupon book that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.

The purpose of the program is to promote better nutrition and to expand sales at farmers’ markets and farm stands. Farmers’ Markets are scheduled throughout the County and enables local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.

For more information on the program, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at 631-853-8200.

Coupons are limited. They are available on a first come, first serve basis.