OFA Staff Offer Help with HEAP Applications and More

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) staff visit communities around Oswego County each month to offer program information and application assistance to those who are unable to visit the Oswego office.

One of these programs, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes, making it a timely priority for November visits.

“Community hours offer a convenient way for residents to receive in-person assistance and resource information from our staff,” said OFA Director Sara Sunday. “With winter quickly approaching, our focus this month is on helping seniors apply for financial assistance with their heating bills. Through the HEAP program, we hope to ensure that seniors can keep their homes warm and comfortable through the colder months ahead.”

Eligible applicants may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if in danger of running out of fuel or having the utility service turned off.

To qualify for OFA assistance with HEAP applications, Oswego County residents must be aged 60 or older and meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines for their household size. The maximum monthly income is $3,563 for a one-person household; $4,659 for a two-person household; $5,756 for a three-person household; and $6,852 for a four-person household.

Those interested in application assistance can schedule an appointment for the following community office hours:

Fulton Public Library, 160 S. First St., Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1 to 3 p.m.

Hannibal Public Library, 162 Oswego St., Thursday, Nov. 12, 1 to 3 p.m.

Phoenix Public Library, 34 Elm St., Friday, Nov. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.

Sandy Creek Town Hall, 1922 Harwood Dr., Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon.

Central Square Library, 637 S. Main St., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to noon.

Mexico Public Library, 3269 Main St., Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon.

Amboy Town Hall, 822 NYS Rte. 69, Friday, Nov. 20, 1 to 3 p.m.

Pulaski Public Library, 4917 N. Jefferson St., Monday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to noon.

Residents will need to bring several documents to their scheduled appointment. They include a photo ID for proof of date of birth for all members of the household; social security number for all members of the household; National Grid statement or current utility bill; and proof of all income in the household including interest from all bank accounts. Additional documentation may be required.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the Oswego County Office for the Aging/NY Connects weekdays at 315-349-3484.

Source: Oswego County.