March 8, 2019 – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that an additional $15 million will be available to assist New Yorkers who have faced a heating emergency following harsh winter condition caused by the polar vortex. The additional funding will assist New Yorkers through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Households may apply for a second emergency benefit through New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or a utility shutoff. Also, the application period for heating assistance through HEAP has been extended until April 26 for both emergency and regular benefits.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other essentials like food or medications. 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.”
New York’s HEAP program normally only provides one heating benefit per year, per household as well as one emergency benefit in the event of a crisis situation. This year, if a household has already used their crisis benefit may apply for a crisis benefit a second time.
“HEAP is an essential resource that helps so many New Yorkers across our state make ends meet,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “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.”
The HEAP benefit amount a household receives depends on their annual income, family size, and other variable factors such as heating fuel type.
To learn more about the requirements and eligibility guidelines for assistance programs in your state, visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website State Snapshots web page.
Source: media reports
