New Yorkers can now apply for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday. The program can provide up to $996 to eligible households.
Due to government shutdown, the opening of the HEAP application period was delayed by a month.
“As temperatures have already begun to drop, it’s disgraceful that the federal government took so long to provide federal funding for critical heating assistance for families across the state,” Hochul said. “Hardworking New Yorkers count on this assistance to help with their utility bills and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. That’s why I fought hard to restore this funding and will continue to do everything in my power to help New York families apply for additional state funding to bring down energy costs.”
Applications can be submitted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person.
“HEAP is a lifeline for thousands of low- and moderate-income households across New York State struggling to cover the cost of heating their homes in the cold winter months as they face rising housing, food and energy costs,” New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “I encourage all eligible households to apply for this vital assistance as soon as possible.”
More than 1.5 million households received a regular HEAP benefit last year.