Erie County is now accepting applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which assists low-income households with their home energy needs and decreases energy costs.

HEAP benefit amounts begin at $21 and are designed to help households reduce their energy costs. The program is available to households paying separately for heat and to households whose heat is included in their rental amount.

"Energy costs remain high, and we expect a busy HEAP season. We are urging residents with heat service currently on and without a shut off notice to file HEAP applications online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov, by emailing heaphotline@erie.gov to request an application, or by calling the HEAP Phone Center at 858-7644," Daniel Szewc, Erie County Department of Social Services executive director, said in a statement. "We are scheduling community outreach events to assist Erie County residents with completing HEAP applications."

Those interested are encouraged to apply online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

Last program year, over 118,000 HEAP benefits were authorized to Erie County households.