Over $372 million in funding available to qualifying homeowners through HEAP program
Homeowners are all too familiar with the considerable cost associated with keeping their home heated during the winter months. Now faced with the arrival of this year’s first storm, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (Mahopac) is working to ensure those who qualify for state assistance take advantage of the over $372 million in funding available to elderly and low-to-moderate income New Yorkers through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The HEAP program, which is 100% federally funded, offers valuable assistance to residents based on income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four with a household income up to $55,178 a year is eligible to participate in this program. The program is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“As we prepare for the upcoming winter, we must all continue to do our best to provide for the health and safety of our residents,” said Byrne. “That includes providing needed relief for qualifying families through the Home Energy Assistance Program. No one should ever be left out in the cold.”
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help you pay for heating your home. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source and the presence of a household member who is under age six, is 60 or older or permanently disabled. Regular benefits for households that pay for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household’s primary source of heat.
Eligible energy sources include homes heated by electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, wood pellets or kerosene. Up to $726 per home is available during the program year, and those eligible for a HEAP benefit may also receive emergency benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or at risk of having their heat shut off.
Applications for the HEAP program are available online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Anyone interested in applying in person can also make an appointment at their regional Office for Senior Resources.
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