HEAP-Eligible New Yorkers will Get More of their Heating Bills Covered this Winter

By Yehudit Garmaise

More New Yorkers will stay warm and toasty in their homes as cold and stormy winds blow in this week, thanks to an influx of additional federal funding into New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

On Dec. 11, the federal government provided HEAP with an additional $63 million, which NY will use to increase eligible New Yorkers’ one-time heating assistance benefit to a maximum of $1,126, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

HEAP, which has now received a total of $412 million in federal funding this year, assists with heating bills by sending all payments directly to each household’s heating vendor.

New Yorkers’ eligibility for HEAP depends on their incomes, household sizes, whether households include vulnerable family members, and how families heat their homes.

In early 2023, HEAP will send supplemental benefits to the households who already received their regular HEAP benefits before the higher amounts took effect. 

Not only will heating costs continue to rise, predicts the US Energy Information Administration, but slightly colder temperatures are in store for New York this winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"HEAP is especially important to help some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers keep their homes warm in the wintertime,” said Daniel W. Tietz, the commissioner of NY’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

“New Yorkers who think they may be eligible should apply as soon as possible so they can continue to heat their homes as the colder temperatures set in."

Boro Parkers can apply for HEAP assistance at citywide Departments of Social Services and at the Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC) at 1310 46th Street on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm. Boro Parkers can also reach the BPJCC by calling (718) 972-6600.