Hochul pushes HEAP to help cut costs for NYers

Home heating assistance is now available to New York state residents who meet income guidelines to qualify.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the availability of aid for New Yorkers under the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as HEAP.

In doing so, Hochul touched on an issue that weighed heavily on the minds of millions of voters nationwide — the cost of goods and services and their impact on the finances of residents and business owners in New York and in other parts of the country.

"Everyday New Yorkers are getting slammed with the high cost of everything," Hochul said.

"For families across New York, this isn't a conversation about statistics. This is something they are living with every single day," she added.

Hochul did offer some statistics on Tuesday, saying the average New York household spends 23% of its income on groceries and 17% on rent. Hochul said utility bills have "more than doubled" in some cases and New York households are now devoting 20% of their income to cover utility costs.

"I'm listening. I get it," Hochul said.

"This is not a news flash to us," she added. "We don't need to see a poll to tell us that this is something New Yorkers have been struggling with for a long time and they need the help."

HEAP helped more than 1.7 million New Yorkers last winter, and Hochul's administration said the program put more than $397 million dollars back into the pockets of families across the state. In Western New York, 171,321 residents received heating assistance under the program in 2023.

The federally funded program provides assistance for vulnerable family members, including those who are under the age of 6, individuals aged 60 and above or residents who are permanently disabled. HEAP benefits are also available to eligible homeowners and renters depending on their income levels, household size and operative heating systems. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390, or an annual gross income of $76,681, and still qualify for benefits. The income guidelines were increased from last year when a family of four was allowed a gross income of $5,838, and an annual gross income of $70,059 to be eligible.

The program can provide up to $996 in utility bill support for eligible households. Enrollment is now open. Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local offices for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.