Note:  Any household in which all household members are participating in one or more of the following Department of Social Services programs are automatically considered income eligible for winter heating assistance benefits, but must meet all other eligibility requirements to receive benefits: Temporary Family Assistance, State Supplement to the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Refugee Cash Assistance Program, Food Stamps. Mixed-income households (those receiving income from both DSS and non-DSS sources) are considered income-eligible for winter heating assistance benefits if the combined household annual gross income, including DSS cash benefits, remains within income guidelines.

HOUSEHOLD ASSET GUIDELINES
There is also a liquid assets test (checking, savings, CD's, stocks, bonds, shares, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts if the accounts are in the name of a household member who is at least 59-and-one-half years old.)  The purpose of the liquid assets test is to try to ensure that winter heating assistance dollars go to households most in need; that is, to people without the financial means to heat their home.
For homeowners, the first $10,000 in liquid assets, and for other households, the first $7,000 in liquid assets, is disregarded.  Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines. 

Clients must provide proof of income and assets for all household members who may reside with them, for the four weeks prior to the application date.  If natural gas or electricity is the heating source, the client must provide a copy of that bill which must be in the applicant's name or a household member who is of majority status, or an emancipated minor.