Encourages those in need of assistance
to apply
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell
(D-Theresa) announced that the federal government has approved $50 million in
additional funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), enabling more
North Country families to receive benefits into February.
“This has been a tough winter even
by North Country standards and has pushed many family budgets to the brink as
they try to heat their homes,” said Assemblywoman Russell said. “Thankfully,
the federal government has recognized the urgency of the situation and provided
additional funding to help our friends and neighbors through this challenging
winter.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $454 million
in funding to states, boosting New York’s HEAP allowance by a much-needed $50.6
million. The recent increase brings the state’s total for the 2013-14 heating
season to more than $366 million.
Eligibility for HEAP relies on numerous factors, including income,
household size, the primary heating source and the presence of a household
member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.
HEAP also assists low-income homeowners with repairing or replacing any
damaged or non-functioning heating equipment, including furnaces, boilers or
other direct-heating components necessary to keep the home’s heating source
functional. HEAP benefits could cover the incurred cost of such repairs or
replacements, up to $6,500.
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 at
risk of running out of fuel or having their utility service turned off. HEAP
assistance has already been provided to more than 1.3 million New York
households this winter, and there are still households in need of assistance
according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Those who think they may be eligible should visit myBenefits.ny.gov or
reach out to their county social services department in Jefferson County at
782-9030 or in St. Lawrence County at 379-2111. For more information about
HEAP, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.
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