Gov. Cuomo announced additional heating aid is available for low-income families in New York. File photo
Families concerned about being left in the cold this winter may be able to land help with heating, Gov. Cuomo announced this week.
The federal government has released additional Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, funding, increasing New York’s total for this year’s heating season to more than $366 million. The additional funding will enable New York to continue operating the regular benefit component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, otherwise known as HEAP, into February.
“The recent extreme cold weather has taken a toll on households statewide struggling to afford their heating bill to keep their families warm,” Gov. Cuomo said in a prepared statement. “This additional funding will be essential in helping eligible New Yorkers this season, and I urge those in need of assistance to apply as soon as possible.”
Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $454 million in LIHEAP funding to states, providing an additional $50.6 million for New York. That brings New York’s total for the 2013-14 HEAP season to $366.8 million.
HEAP is a federally-funded program administered through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“We are grateful that our partners at the federal level recognize the challenges many states are facing due to extreme winter conditions,” said OTDA Commissioner Kristin Proud. “We know there are still many households in need of assistance, and the funding released yesterday will help address that need.”
Eligible households in New York may receive one regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an emergency benefit if they are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off. More than 1.3 million households have already received heating assistance this winter.
“With the wolf of winter-cold snapping at the door, this urgently needed home heating aid arrived not a moment too soon for countless New York seniors and struggling families,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a prepared statement. “This massive release of $50.6 million in federal funding to New York will provide critical relief to residents and senior citizens who were being forced to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table. With record-breaking freezes occurring in New York and across the country, I’m thrilled that the feds have released this funding to New York for immediate use this winter.”
Those who need emergency assistance, or live in New York City, should contact their local department of social services. New York City residents can also go to www.nyc.gov/accessnyc to find out how to apply for benefits. New Yorkers can find contact information for their local social services department at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/he
For more information about HEAP, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.
By Anna Gustafson
