When the wind blows and the snow falls, Susan Fardink turns up her gas heater to help stay warm.

She also relies on her gas furnace to heat the rest of the house, but anxiously knows as the temperature outside goes down, the temperature inside goes up and so does her heating bill.

"I really get nervous and worried, yes. But, we're managing. And when we can't manage we look for a little help," said Susan Fardink, of Ashville.

What You Need To Know

  • The federally funded HEAP program opened November 3 and closes in March

  • The HEAP benefit offers more than just financial assistance

  • Emergency HEAP opens January 3

That help comes in the form of the Home Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded benefit open to all income-eligible New Yorkers to help with heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

Susan, who enjoys reading in her warm living room, was approved for the benefit, after applying online, which is then paid directly to her utility company and credited to her account to combat the rising cost.

"Everything's going up. But my income isn't going up. When you don't have an awful lot of money, any amount helps," said Fardink.

County offices across the state, including in Chautauqua County, have already received, filed and processed thousands of applications since the program opened on November 3. 

"It is widespread through the county, It is absolutely useful, especially to those who are limited income and running tight budgets. Costs are only going up for heat and utilities," said Department of Social Services Principal Social Welfare Examiner Jennifer Mikula.

In addition to the regular benefit, there's an emergency benefit, open on January 3 for those with heat-related issues, such as a shut-off notice.

The program also includes heating equipment repair or replacement assistance, as well as a clean and tune to allow for a safer and more efficient operation.

"It's going to help their costs all the way around, you know. I would encourage anybody, especially our seniors. They are usually the ones who are most proud and don't want to come into our office to apply for benefits. And a lot of times, they're the ones who need it the most," said Mikula.

"I'm just very grateful for it, and I hope that other people that really need it can get the help, too. There's so many people out there that need help. I've gotten help, but it's very hard to let other people know you need it," said Fardink.

Fardink got help with repairs to her furnace and hot water tank, yet had to deal with it all herself after losing her husband four years ago.

"I didn't know how to take care of my finances, I didn't know, I didn't know nothing, absolutely, but I'm learning fast," said Fardink.

In addition to HEAP benefits, county offices across the state, whether it be Office for the Aging or Health and Human Services, will make referrals to the state's Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA. Crews there will do a home energy assessment to help cut costs as well.

Both the regular and emergency HEAP programs are scheduled to close on March 15.

To apply for assistance, click here or call the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services HEAP Office at 716-661-8103.

To find information for other New York counties, click here.