GENERAL CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO:
(716) 686-6123 (NY)
(814) 871-8200 (PA)
outside these calling areas:
1-800-365-3234

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are having any difficulty paying your bill, call us at 1-800-365-3234 as soon as possible. Our experienced representatives can work with you and will help you find a payment plan or an assistance program to help you.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

HEAP/LIHEAP are federally funded programs that provide assistance to eligible customers to pay their home heating bills. During the program year, our representatives can help you obtain an application and tell you about current eligibility requirements.

HEAP

In New York, HEAP grants are administered by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Senior Services.

The 2009-2010 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened on Monday, November 2, 2009. This year, the income guidelines have changed and now, more people than ever can qualify for a Regular grant of up to $500*! Customers are encouraged to apply immediately for assistance, as funds are limited this year, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Emergency grants of $300 or $350 are also available to those customers who qualify. In order to qualify, a customer’s heat must be shut off, or the customer must possess a shut-off notice, and the customer cannot have the resources available to pay the shut-off amount indicated.

*Participation is based on gross monthly household income, household size, and living situation.

Applying for help with your heating costs has never been easier!

Depending on your circumstances, you may apply:

• By mail - New this year, customers who received a Regular HEAP grant for the 2008-2009 HEAP season and still reside in the same county are able to apply for a grant in the 2009-2010 HEAP season by mail. To download a copy of the 2009-2010 HEAP application, please click here.
• In Person –Applications are taken at all local county Departments of Social Services and designated satellite sites. For a list of HEAP application locations, by county, click here.

You may also visit one of the Erie County Outreach Sites to apply for HEAP. Click here to for a list of Outreach sites and dates.

• Online – Customers who live in Allegany, Livingston or Steuben counties have the option of E-Filing their application. Click here to learn more. Note: customers must have received a Regular HEAP grant for the 2008-2009 HEAP season and still reside in the same county to be eligible to apply online.
• By telephone –Those customers who receive a 2009-2010 Regular grant have the option of applying for an Emergency grant by telephone. Please contact the local social services office in your county of residence to learn more.

Others who are able to apply by mail for a HEAP grant include:

• Code A SSI households
• Temporary Assistance & Food Stamp recipients
• Heads of household aged 60 or older
• Heads of household who are disabled and are in receipt of Retirement, Survivor's, or Disability Insurance under Title II of the Social Security Act

LIHEAP

In Pennsylvania, LIHEAP funds are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

The 2009-2010 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opened on Monday, November 2, 2009. Customers are encouraged to apply immediately for assistance, as funds are limited this year, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The size of the grant is based upon your income and household size. If you are having difficulty paying your heating bills, LIHEAP may be able to help you.  If eligible, National Fuel will receive a grant on your behalf to help pay your bill.

If you are applying for a Crisis grant, you will need your shut-off notice or a form from the utility company stating how much is needed in order to have service turned on.  The Crisis grants will be available January 4, 2010.

To apply for LIHEAP:

• Call or visit your local County Assistance Office.  Be sure to apply in the county where you live.
• On Line at www.compass.state.pa.us.
• Have the following information ready when you apply:
  • Names of all household members
  • Dates of birth of all household members
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income
  • A recent heating bill

These grants are provided by Pennsylvania through the federally funded Low Income Home Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and are available to renters and homeowners.

Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund
Because of the generosity of good neighbors like you and National Fuel Gas Company, the Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund has helped to heat the homes of thousands of needy families across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Since 1983 the fund has collectively contributed nearly $6 million for home heating grants for individuals and families who need help.

The fund provides grants that help people to:

• prevent disconnection of their utility service.
• pay current or past due energy bills.
• purchase home heating fuel of any kind.

If you live in New York, to apply, contact The Salvation Army at 716-883-9800, extension 230, the Chautauqua Office For the Aging at 716-753-4471, or Catholic Charities at 716-856-4494 (if you are under the age of 60) or (716) 896-6388 (if you are over the age of 60) to find the nearest agency and determine the necessary documentation to bring to the application interview.

If you live in Pennsylvania, to apply, click here to find the service organization nearest to you.

Don’t delay, as funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant amounts are determined by need. And, as long as you live in National Fuel’s service territory, you may qualify, even if you are not a National Fuel customer.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about this program

Click here for the Neighbor For Neighbor Contribution Form

Supporting the Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund has never been easier!
Click here for more information on how you can submit your monthly pledge online.