Governor Cuomo Announces $372 Million Available in Home Heating Assistance for New Yorkers This Winter

Applications for Home Energy Assistance Accepted Beginning November 13

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than $372 million in assistance is available to help older adults and low and middle–income New Yorkers heat their homes this winter. Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program will be accepted by local departments of social services beginning on Tuesday, November 13.

"As cold winter weather approaches, this administration is steadfast in its commitment to assisting vulnerable New Yorkers struggling to pay their heating bills," Governor Cuomo said. "Whether it’s senior citizens on a fixed income, or low income working families, this assistance will keep New Yorkers safe and help them avoid having to choose between buying food or paying their heating bill."

A household can receive a one time regular HEAP benefit of up to $726 if they are eligible. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four can have a household income of up to $55,178 a year, or $4,598 a month, and still qualify for help.

Last year, more than 1.4 million households received heating assistance through HEAP which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for the program, which is 100 percent federally funded, are accepted at local departments of social services.

Anyone living outside of New York City can apply for a regular HEAP benefit online at myBenefits.ny.gov. New York City residents can download the application and mail it in. Assistance is provided on a first–come, first–served basis.

Additionally, households that have already received assistance may qualify for a one time emergency HEAP benefit if they are at risk of getting their heat shut off or running out of fuel which they cannot afford to resupply. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted starting on Wednesday, January 2. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should contact their local department of social services.

A breakdown of the number of households that received assistance last winter, by region is below:

Region	Households Served 2017"18
Capital District	65,482
Central New York	60,808
Finger Lakes	92,301
Long Island	66,147
Mid"Hudson	100,828
Mohawk Valley	46,756
New York City	772,317
North Country	36,265
Southern Tier	52,107
Western New York	134,242
Total	1,427,253

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, "Higher energy prices are expected this winter and that makes it all the more crucial that people apply early since assistance is awarded on a first–come, first–served basis. Without this assistance, the cold winter months would be even colder for many of our fellow New Yorkers."