In light of the recent polar vortex and ongoing cold weather, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced than an additional $15 million has been made available for New Yorkers faced with a heating emergency.
As of February 19, households in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off may apply for a second emergency benefit through the Home Energy Assistance Program. In addition, Mr. Cuomo announced the extension of the application period for both regular and emergency HEAP benefits for homeowners and renters until April 26.
“Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other essentials like food or medications,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement. “With much of the state remaining in winter’s icy grasp, the availability of this extra funding will help our most vulnerable New Yorkers stay warm and safe through the duration of the season. I encourage anyone who may need help paying their heating bills this winter to apply for assistance.”
Households are ordinarily eligible to receive only one regular HEAP benefit each winter, and then one emergency HEAP benefit in the event of an energy crisis, according to the governor’s office. But this winter, households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit during this HEAP season will be able to apply for additional assistance if they are faced with the possibility of having a utility shut off or running out of heating fuel without the means to replenish it.
“This winter has been especially difficult, that’s why we are taking action to ensure more funding is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Winter heating bills can add up quickly and put a strain on family budgets. HEAP is an essential resource that helps so many New Yorkers across our state make ends meet.”
New York State’s persistently cold temperatures and snowfall in recent weeks have been comparable to last winter—one of the coldest on record, the governor’s office stated. The statewide demand for emergency HEAP benefits remains high, with more than 35,000 households seeking assistance so far this year. Though temperatures remained seasonally mild to start the winter, a polar vortex plunged New York into a deep freeze in January, when temperatures in many areas of the state dipped below zero.
The amount a household receives from HEAP depends on its income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four can have a household income of up to $55,178 per year, or $4,598 per month, and still qualify for help. A household that heats with oil could receive more than $2,200 in total assistance this winter.
Overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HEAP is 100 percent federally funded. Applications for emergency HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone. Contact the Suffolk County Department of Social Services at 631-853-8825 or the after-hours emergency contact at 631-854-9100.
on Mar 4, 2019