State: $372M available in home heating assistance

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. >> Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that more than $372 million in assistance is available to help older adults and low- and middle-income New Yorkers heat their homes this winter.

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program will be accepted by local departments of social services beginning on Tuesday, November 13.

“As cold winter weather approaches, this administration is steadfast in its commitment to assisting vulnerable New Yorkers struggling to pay their heating bills,” Governor Cuomo said in a news release. “Whether it’s senior citizens on a fixed income, or low-income working families, this assistance will keep New Yorkers safe and help them avoid having to choose between buying food or paying their heating bill.”

Officials said that a household can receive a one-time regular HEAP benefit of up to $726 if they are eligible. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four can have a household income of up to $55,178 a year, or $4,598 a month, and still qualify for help.

According to the release, last year, more than 1.4 million households received heating assistance through HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for the program, which is 100 percent federally funded, are accepted at local departments of social services.

Anyone living outside of New York City can apply for a regular HEAP benefit online at myBenefits.ny.gov. New York City residents can download the application and mail it in.

Assistance is provided on a first- come, first-served basis.

Additionally, officials said households that have already received assistance may qualify for a one-time emergency HEAP benefit if they are at risk of getting their heat shut off or running out of fuel, which they cannot afford to resupply.

Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted starting on Wednesday, January 2. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should contact their

local department of social services.

Officials said that in the winter of 2017-18 over 65,000 households throughout the Capital Region received assistance.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said in the release, “Higher

energy prices are expected this winter and that makes it all the more crucial that people apply early since assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Without this assistance, the cold winter months would be even colder for many of our fellow New Yorkers.”