Maine State Housing Authority
08/30/2024 | News release | Archived content
MaineHousing Announces New Heap Online Application System Is Now Open
Now Is The Time To Get Ready For Winter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AUGUSTA - MaineHousing is pleased to announce a new streamlined online application process is now available for Mainers seeking heating help through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
This new system will allow for more of the application process to be completed online and enhance access to the program while improving processing times for the community action agencies, who certify applications locally.
"MaineHousing is pleased to be moving forward with a HEAP application process that will make it more convenient for Mainers to request federal energy assistance," said MaineHousing's Senior Director of Operations Jamie Johnson.
"This rollout is the next phase of an online application system that started last heating season. With the help of our community action agency partners, HEAP helps more than 50,000 Maine households with their energy costs each year."
Maine's new ECOS platform was developed by JAI Software, Inc. in Farmingdale. The Maine platform will be the second of its kind for HEAP nationally, again making Maine and MaineHousing a leader at improving the delivery of federal heating benefits.
Maine households can check their HEAP eligibility and begin the application process by visiting MaineHousing's HEAP web page at: www.mainehousing.org/heap
HEAP's eligibility criteria prioritize households with members at the greatest risk of facing cold-related injury or illness including those with members who are 60 or older, those with young children, and/or those with household members who are disabled.
Johnson noted that demand for HEAP and the number of eligible homes being reached by the program has increased by 20 percent over each of the two previous heating seasons. Last winter was the first time HEAP moved to a waiting list process near the end of the heating season.
"While we were ultimately able to serve all those who were on the waiting list last year, we again anticipate high demand and will be prepared to move to a waiting list system if needed," Johnson said.
It is expected that the HEAP program, which is funded by a $41 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will again help about 50,000 households.
The grant provides funding for fuel assistance benefits and other programs such as the Emergency Crisis Intervention Program, which starts in November, the Central Heating Improvement Program, and Weatherization. MaineHousing typically receives its federal funding in November each year and is expected to receive approximately the same funding level as it did during the 2024 heating season.
MaineHousing is also encouraging all Maine households to take time now to make a winter heating plan, to clean and service home heating systems, to tackle easy-to-do weatherization projects, to set up payment plans with heating fuel and electricity providers, and to begin the application process for assistance if you believe you may be eligible.
"It's never too early to plan and prepare for the next heating season," said MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan. "HEAP is a vital program that helps many Mainers each winter by covering a portion of their overall energy costs."
Brennan also noted that heating oil, Maine's primary heating fuel source, was currently priced below $3 a gallon in many places in Maine, which is much lower than recent past heating seasons.
Consumers can find the latest Maine heating fuel prices and other winter heating resources on the Maine Governor's Energy Office website.
"We are accustomed to fluctuating heating fuel prices in Maine but as these price swings become more and more dramatic, it becomes even more important to be prepared," Brennan said. "Now is the time to get your heating plan in order and to reach out for assistance if you believe you will need it in the months ahead. And if you can, top off your tank or put a little money in the bank to brace against an unexpected energy expense later this year."