State to offer help with heating expenses This winter, New York State is once again offering some help for residents to meet heating expenses with its Home Energy Assistance Program. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 from the program, and those who wish to participate can start filing applications Nov. 17. Assistance is offered on a sliding scale, depending on income and the number of residents per household. For the 2014-15 season, a household of four can earn up to $50,629 a year, or $4,219 a month, and still qualify for assistance under the program. The program, which is federally funded and overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, can assist eligible applicants who live outside of New York City regardless of whether they own their home or rent. Anyone can apply for the program through his or her local department of social services. Last winter, more than 1.5 million households throughout New York State received benefits. For more information about the Home Energy Assistance Program, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. New Yorkers can find contact information for their county department of social services at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/HEAP-contacts.pdf. The state is also offering emergency assistance to those who are in danger of having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning Jan. 2. Households in an energy emergency situation should call their local department of social services for assistance.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:40:32 +0000