NY urges HEAP applications to help with home heating
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that applications for home heating assistance will be accepted throughout New York State. Administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Home Energy Assistance Program is making more than $338 million in federal funding available to help older adults and low and middle income New Yorkers heat their homes this winter.
“Cold weather can bring added hardship for low-income and working-class New Yorkers who are already struggling to make ends meet,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding provides them with a critical stop-gap to help them afford the cost of heating their homes during the late fall and winter months.”
Eligible homeowners and renters may receive assistance of up to $726 per month, depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $4,797 or an annual gross income of $57,546 and still qualify for benefits.
Applications are accepted statewide at local departments of social services and, for New Yorkers living outside of New York City, also online at myBenefits.ny.gov.
Last year, nearly 1.5 million households received heating assistance through HEAP. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, households that have already received assistance may qualify for a one-time emergency HEAP benefit if they are at risk of having their heat shut off or running out of fuel, and do not have sufficient resources to resupply. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted starting on Thursday, January 2. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should contact their local department of social services.
Click here to see where to apply in Orleans County.
