HERR Closing Date is January 9, 2015

The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services has been advised by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today that Friday, January 9, 2015 is the closing date for the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) component of the 2014-15 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Please note that the HEAP program itself is scheduled to continue through March 15.

The Department will continue to accept applications for HERR HEAP benefits through the close of business  January 9, 2015. Applications for HERR HEAP benefits submitted on or before the end of the day on January 9, 2015, must be honored and processed.

Individuals seeking help with heating equipment repair or replacement needs after the HEAP HERR component closes may, if they apply and are found eligible, have their needs met under Family Assistance (FA), Safety Net Assistance (SNA), Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) or Emergency Assistance for Adults (EAA).  Department Regulations provide districts the ability to meet the costs necessary for the repair or replacement of essential heating equipment if the repair or replacement is essential to the health and safety of the household.

The EmPower New York program (EmPower) administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has limited resources to respond to no-heat situations.  Customers may be referred to EmPower at 1-800-262-0960.  Agency staff may also contact EmPower staff at that number.

In addition, SSDs should continue to refer clients to their local Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provider.

For more information, please call Chief Examiner Wendy Green at 716-701-3506.