What to Know
- New York state officials say more funding is available for residents facing problems keeping their homes heated this winter
- The additional funding will help eligible New Yorkers struggling to afford heating fuel or are facing having their utilities shut off
- State officials say they've seen a 40-percent increase in requests for emergency heating assistance this winter when compared to last year
New York state officials say more funding is available for residents facing problems keeping their homes heated this winter.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the additional funding will help eligible New Yorkers who are struggling to afford heating fuel or are facing the likelihood of having their utility service shut off.
"The availability of this funding will help keep our most vulnerable New Yorkers warm and safe this winter," Cuomo said in a statement. "New York is suffering a one-two-punch this season with cold temperatures and rising energy prices, and I am encouraging all eligible New Yorkers to apply for assistance."
The Democrat said people who are eligible can apply for a second emergency benefit through the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) starting on Monday. Families earning up to nearly $53,500 per year can qualify for assistance. A household that heats with oil and qualifies for a regular HEAP benefit and two emergency benefits could receive more than $2,000 in total assistance this winter.
State officials say they've seen a 40 percent increase in requests for emergency heating assistance this winter when compared to last year.
Normally, eligible households are able to receive one HEAP benefit and one emergency HEAP benefit each winter if faced with an energy crisis. However, this year, households that have already received the benefit are eligible for applying for additional funding.
Local
Aside from the funding available for heating assistance, $14.4 million in federal HEAP funding was also provided to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to grant weatherization services to additional households, through EmPower New York. The winterization services can reduce the amount of energy required to heat a home, minimizing the impact of higher fuel costs during the winter.
Applications are accepted at local social services agencies.
