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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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Utilities - Emergency Assistance
© 2007 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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I am behind on my utility bills. Is there anything I can do?
Yes. You can apply for what is known as "emergency assistance." Emergency assistance is not the same thing as HEAP. If you have gotten HEAP or been denied HEAP, you should then apply for emergency assistance. You must apply for HEAP first, before you apply for emergency assistance, if HEAP is open.
Where do I apply for emergency assistance?
If you are on public assistance or SSI, you must apply at the Department of Social Services (DSS), 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York, on the first floor at Window 7.
If you are not on public assistance or SSI, you must apply at the HEAP office, 291 Pearl Street, Buffalo, New York.
What do I need to bring with me when I apply for emergency assistance?
You must bring the following papers:
1. Shut off notice, if you have one
2. Financial statement from the utility company
3. Photo ID
4. Proof of income
5. Proof of expenses:
(a) proof of housing costs: rent receipts/lease /landlord statement, mortgage statements;
(b) other utility bills;
(c) if you own a car, proof of your car payments and insurance costs;
(d) monthly medical expenses, such as prescription co-pays;
(e) childcare expenses.
How do I get the financial statement from the utility company?
If your emergency is a gas emergency, you must go to the National Fuel office at
455 Main Street, Buffalo, and bring the following items:
* Proof of Income (for at least the past 8 weeks of either wages, SSI, or UIB)
* Identification
National Fuel will decide whether they will offer you a "deferred payment arrangement (DPA)." If they offer you a DPA, you won't need emergency assistance. If they deny your request for a DPA, they will state this on your financial statement. Bring the financial statement to Window 7 at DSS.
If your emergency is an electric emergency, you can do the financial statement with National Grid over the telephone. You should also request a DPA from National Grid. If they deny your request, they will state this on your financial statement. Their phone number is 1-800-642-4272.
How much emergency assistance can I get?
Generally, you will only receive assistance for the four months just before your application. However, if you are receiving SSI or public assistance, you will receive assistance for the most recent four months in which you received service from the 10 months prior to your application.
Do I have to repay this assistance?
If you are not receiving public assistance or SSI (and you are not income eligible for public assistance) then you will have to sign a repayment agreement. You must repay the assistance within one year. If you default on this repayment agreement, you will not be able to obtain more emergency assistance for utilities in the future until it is repaid (unless you are receiving public assistance or you are income eligible for public assistance at the time you make your second request for emergency assistance for utilities).
If you are on public assistance, DSS will probably recoup the assistance it paid you from your grant.
Is there an income limit on emergency assistance for utilities?
No. Anyone can be eligible for emergency assistance if they do not have enough income or resources to meet the emergency.
Does DSS have to interview me the same day I apply?
Yes, at a minimum, you must be screened. This means DSS has to talk to you and decide whether you have an immediate need. An immediate need is when you have a shut-off notice or are already shut off and you are applying for assistance during the period. If you have an immediate need, DSS must either grant you the assistance the same day, get a hold on your utility account until they are able to give you an appointment, or give you a denial in writing. If this does not happen, contact our office at once.
What if I don't get the help I need?
You should insist upon a written denial and contact our office. We can be reached at 847-0650.
