Gov. Hochul Announces $373 Million in Aid for New Yorkers to Heat Their Homes

     New Yorkers who are in need of assistance warming their homes in the winter now have more than $373 million available to them through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

     Depending on their income, eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $751 in heating assistance, depending on household size, and how residents heat their home.

     HEAP, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, can help New Yorkers whether they heat their homes with anything from electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood pellets, kerosene, or even corn.

     Anyone in need of emergency assistance should contact their local departments of social services. To qualify for HEAP, which is federally funded, applicants must meet eligibility criteria and maximum family incomes: of which a wide range are eligible.

     A family of four, for instance, may have monthly incomes from anywhere from $5,249 to $62,983 and still qualify for benefits.

      New Yorkers can apply for HEAP starting tomorrow, on Friday, Oct. 1, and residents should get their applications in as soon as possible because funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

     HEAP applications, which are accepted by local departments of social services in person or by telephone, can be downloaded online, and residents outside of New York City may apply online for assistance with heating their homes.

     "For so many New Yorkers, the cost of heating during the cold weather season is a major expense that can really strain their household budgets,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “HEAP is a welcome relief for these individuals and families as winter beckons, ensuring they can heat their homes through the frigid months ahead.”

Photo by: Unplash.