More Money Is Available For NYers Who Need Emergency Heat Help

If you are unable to pay your heating bill, there is more emergency money available. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that residents who are at risk of having their heating services cut off can get assistance from New York State.

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Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said,

Cold temperatures and high energy prices have combined to make this a difficult winter for some of our most vulnerable residents as they struggle with the cost of heating their homes. Without this additional assistance, many New Yorkers would find themselves with nowhere else to turn in an emergency situation.

New York State Offers Heating Assistance Through Home Energy Assistance Program

HEAP is a federally funded program that can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. It is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Under normal circumstances, eligible households can get one regular HEAP benefit and can also also be eligible for a single emergency HEAP benefit. New Yorkers who have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter can apply for an additional emergency benefit. This emergency assistance is for residents who are facing a utility shut-off or are running out of heating fuel.

Applications for emergency HEAP benefits are accepted though local departments of social services. Residents can apply in person or by telephone. You can find a list of offices by county here.