Applications for home heating assistance available

NEW YORK >> Applications for home heating assistance are being accepted throughout the state, announced The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in a press release.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, can provide up to $976 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and older adults keep their homes warm and cope with high energy costs.

“HEAP provides valuable financial assistance that will help hundreds of thousands of our most vulnerable New Yorkers pay their energy bills,” OTDA Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said in the release. “I encourage all eligible households to apply to help reduce the costs they incur to keep their homes warm throughout the heating season.”

The program, overseen by the OTDA, is federally funded. Eligible households can receive one Regular benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning Jan. 2, 2024.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “I applaud Governor Hochul and OTDA for their unwavering dedication to as

sisting New Yorkers in need. The Home Energy Assistance Program is critical in providing help with heating costs for households across the state. As we’ve seen energy costs rise, I encourage all those eligible to apply, particularly older adults on a fixed income.”

More than 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter totaling more than $434 million. Assistance is provided on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Additionally, help is also now available to assist eligible homeowners if their primary heating equipment is unsafe or not operating and their furnace or boiler must be repaired or replaced. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment—up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.

Eligible homeowners can also now apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home’s primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local Department of Social Services for more information.