(Queens, NY) Before the thermometer drops and this mild autumn we’re enjoying gives way to winter, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) would like to remind New Yorkers that the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced yesterday that New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) began accepting applications for regular benefits on Monday, November 18. HEAP, overseen by OTDA, provides assistance to help low-income and elderly New Yorkers keep their homes warm in the winter months. HEAP is a federally funded program to help eligible households meet their home energy needs.
“As in past years, applications are available in my district office in Middle Village now–the last half of November. I urge my constituents to take advantage of this program now that the heating season has begun. As energy costs are on the rise and the economy continues to struggle, residents must be informed of helpful programs like HEAP to help them through the difficult winter months,” said Senator Addabbo. “Heating your home is vital to your health and well-being. A little help can go a long way for struggling families, seniors on fixed incomes and people out of work, in paying energy costs to keep the heat on in their homes.”
Anyone who had applied for HEAP in past years will receive a new application automatically in the mail.
This winter, the maximum regular HEAP benefit a household can receive is $650. Eligibility for HEAP is based on income and household size. For example, a family of four can have a household income of $50,184 a year and still qualify for a HEAP benefit. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency HEAP benefits will be accepted beginning January 2, 2014. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as HEAP benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for regular benefits will be accepted through at least mid-March 2014.
The senator continued, “If you can’t afford to pay your home energy bill, you can face safety risks. Some people resort to unsafe methods to keep their homes warm, including the use of stoves and improperly vented portable heaters, which are fire and carbon monoxide hazards. We do not want to see people on the streets because they can’t afford to pay their heating bills.”
New York residents can check if they may be eligible for HEAP, and numerous other benefits, by answering a few questions online at myBenefits.ny.gov.
Last winter, 1.4 million households received HEAP benefits.
