HEAP Delay Extended ‘Until Further Notice’

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) advises residents that the ongoing federal government shutdown has also impacted the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

“Previous guidance had provided that the HEAP season could open on Nov. 17; however, we have just been notified that the program has now been delayed ‘until further notice,’” said Oswego County Department of Social Services Commissioner Lee Sullivan. “We cannot fund this program at the local level, but we are prepared to help residents who qualify for temporary assistance.”

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) advised local social services districts that, while Early Outreach applications may continue to be accepted and processed, no benefits will be issued until federal funding becomes available and the program officially opens. Payments will simply remain on hold in the system until that time.

Sullivan said that the pause could have serious impacts on the County’s most vulnerable residents, including many children, seniors and veterans.

“Temperatures are dipping down further every day,” she said. “It’s one thing to lower the thermostat a few degrees and throw on an extra sweater or blanket, but many of our rural residents rely on propane, heating oil, kerosene or wood pellets to heat their houses. If they can’t afford these fuels, there is no heat at all.”

The Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) provides some protection for residents in that natural gas, electric or steam utilities must keep power on in households where there is a qualifying need. (For details, see the New York State Department of Public Service website at https://dps.ny.gov/your-rights-residential-gas-electric-or-steam-customer-under-hefpa.) However, smaller, locally owned oil or propane companies rely on regular payments and may not be able to react the same way.

Residents experiencing a heating emergency prior to HEAP opening are encouraged to call Oswego County DSS at 315-963-5000 to determine if they qualify for a one-time emergency Temporary Assistance payment to address immediate heating needs.

Individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance and face heating emergencies will have their eligibility determined as if HEAP is not an available resource at this time.

The impact of the federal government shutdown also caused a delay in SNAP benefits. Residents in need of immediate food support may access local food pantries and other nutrition programs. Go to Feeding America to find the regional food bank or visit www.oswegocountyny.gov for a list of verified food pantries, soup kitchens and other food distribution sites.

DSS continues to coordinate with local food providers and community partners as additional resources become available and will share any verified updates. The agency also advised residents that cash assistance and supportive service payments are not affected by the federal shutdown and will continue without interruption.

Oswego County DSS continues to monitor state guidance closely and will provide updates to the public as soon as additional information becomes available.

For current HEAP information, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website at www.otda.ny.gov. For more information about the shutdown, go to otda.ny.gov/shutdown.

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