Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their energy bills, are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits.
“Energy prices remain high, putting a burden on struggling New Yorkers trying to pay their bills,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers are applying for HEAP benefits, and by extending the program through April 12 and offering a second emergency benefit, we are continuing to provide critical relief to low- and middle-income households.”
HEAP, which is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded and can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. Normally, eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for a single Emergency HEAP benefit if they face an energy crisis. Those that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter will be able to apply for an additional emergency benefit, if they are facing a utility shut off or are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to replenish it.
Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.
More than 1.4 million Regular HEAP benefits totaling $198 million have been issued this heating season since the program opened November 1, with an additional 49,000 Emergency HEAP benefits totaling $30 million provided since January 2.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. The deadline for the Regular, Emergency, and second Emergency benefit is April 12. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “HEAP provides essential financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers struggling to pay their energy bills. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued support of this vital lifeline for low-income working families, senior citizens on a fixed income, and those who find themselves in emergency situations. I encourage all eligible households to apply for these additional benefits, which will provide much-needed financial relief.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Every New York family deserves safe, affordable homes with heating to keep themselves and their children warm during the winter. As majority leader, I have been a relentless advocate to amply fund the HEAP program so residents across every corner of the Empire State can tap into federal funds to deal with challenging heating costs. I am proud I fought to deliver heating assistance for all New Yorkers, and thank Governor Hochul for advocating to secure the resources vulnerable New Yorkers need to make ends meet.”
Representative Joseph Morelle said, “The Home Energy Assistance Program is a vital resource that helps thousands of New York families heat and cool their homes. I’m proud to support this program with federal funds and I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for helping ensure more people can take advantage of these cost-saving benefits. I encourage everyone who qualifies to sign up for this valuable program.”
Additionally, assistance through the 2023-2024 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program remains available to help eligible homeowners repair or replace their furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep their home’s primary heating source working. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment – up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.
Eligible homeowners can also continue to apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home’s primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.
