Senator Murphy Announce Program to Help Needy New Yorkers Stay Warm

Albany, NY – Forecasters have predicted that this winter will be so cold that if you boil a pot of water, take it outside and toss it into the air, it will freeze and turn into ice crystals before it hits the ground. The drop in temperatures will mean an increase in home heating bills.

For those who find it difficult to manage home heating costs during winter, there is help.  Senator Terrence Murphy is pleased to announce that more than $327 million in funding is available to help elderly and low and moderate-income New Yorkers stay warm during the winter through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

“The cold can take a toll on many of our most vulnerable citizens, especially senior citizens and families on low or fixed incomes who may have to decide between keeping warm, or paying for shelter or food,” said Senator Murphy.  “If you or someone you know needs assistance with covering the cost of heating bills this winter, please take the time to see if you qualify for HEAP.”

Assemblyman Kevin Byrne said, “As we prepare for the upcoming winter, we must all continue to do our best to provide for the public health and safety of our residents.  That includes providing needed relief for qualifying families through the Home Energy Assistance Program. No one should ever be left out in the cold.”

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year to help you pay for heating your home. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age six, is 60 or older or permanently disabled. Regular benefits for households that pay for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household’s primary source of heat.

 Eligible energy sources include homes heated by electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, wood pellets or kerosene. Up to $675 per home is available during the program year, and those eligible for a HEAP benefit may also receive emergency benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or at risk of having their heat shut off.

Applications for the HEAP program are available online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.  Anyone interested in applying in person can also make an appointment at their regional Office for Senior Resources.