ALBANY – New York State is releasing additional HEAP funding for eligible New Yorkers to help pay their home heating bills.
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced additional funding. Households in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off will be able to apply for a second emergency benefit through the federal Home Energy Assistance Program beginning Monday, Feb. 12.
“The availability of this funding will help keep our most vulnerable New Yorkers warm and safe this winter,” Cuomo said. “New York is suffering a one-two-punch this season with cold temperatures and rising energy prices, and I am encouraging all eligible New Yorkers to apply for assistance.”
The state reports a 40 percent increase in requests for emergency heating assistance compared to last year. Officials are blaming persistently cold temperatures this winter. Normally, eligible households are able to receive one HEAP benefit and one emergency HEAP benefit each winter if faced with an energy crisis.
This year, households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit will be able to apply for additional funding. Households faced with the possibility of having a utility shut off, or running out of heating fuel without the means to replenish it, will be eligible.
The amount a household receives from HEAP depends on income, household size and how the home is heated. HEAP, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is 100 percent federally funded. Applications for HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone.