ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has 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 (HEAP) 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.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner and former Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said, “No New Yorker should have to choose between feeding their families, paying for medical care or heating their homes during the cold weather months. The Home Energy Assistance Program helps lower the brunt of utility costs for hundreds of thousands of households across New York that are living from one paycheck to the next. All eligible homeowners and renters should consider applying for this critical assistance that can help them avoid financial insecurity.”
New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Cold temperatures can be a challenge for everyone, but can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Access to heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program is critical to helping lower-income and older New Yorkers remain healthy and safe in their homes during winter months.”
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. In the Mid-Hudson region, 101,444 households received assistance in 2018-2019.
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.
