New York reopens HEAP applications after federal funding runs out

New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides help for low-income households to pay their energy bills, will reopen for applications Saturday after a short closure, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.

Funding for the program, which is provided by the federal government, ran dry on Tuesday and applications were abruptly cut off – two months earlier than usual.

Hochul said her administration would reallocate $35 million in state funding from elsewhere within the budget of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (the agency that administers HEAP) to keep the program open through the end of the winter, Deputy Communications Director Avery Cohen said.

“Following a shortfall in federal funding that resulted in the temporary closure of regular HEAP applications, Gov. Hochul stepped in to reallocate $35 million in funds,” said Cohen, “and ensure that regular HEAP will remain open to continue to provide heat assistance to New Yorkers.”

The once-a-season assistance program directly subsidizes heating bills for individuals making less than $3,322 a month – or families of four with a monthly household income below $6,390. Assistance ranges from $21 for those living in government-subsidized housing with heat included in their rent to more than $900 for those who pay directly for oil, kerosene or propane heat.

Regular HEAP is also available for people who receive food stamps, temporary assistance, or live alone while receiving supplemental security income. Approval is ultimately up to the state.

Applications for Emergency HEAP, which is a different benefit, did not close this week. The state still had funding for that program, but its conditions for eligibility are narrower. 

Emergency HEAP assistance is used for residents that need electricity to heat their home, have run out of fuel or are close to running out, or have had their services shut off for lack of payment. The amount available for a household depends on how the home is heated.

HEAP applications can be submitted to the state at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap, or in person at each county’s social services agency.