N.Y. opens heating assistance program for low-income residents

Nov. 14—Heating season is here, and New Yorkers who need a little help covering the extra costs of running their in-home heating can apply for extra help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP.

Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand are both staunch supporters of the program, which can provide up to $1,000 per winter season to help eligible low-income households afford to heat their homes.

"With many New York families struggling to afford the basics, winter brings on a new stressor in the form of heating bills," Gillibrand said in a virtual press conference on Thursday. "Fortunately, help is available. I fight for funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program every year, and so far this year, I've secured $360 million for New York alone."

The program, alternatively called LIHEAP and HEAP, is run by the state of New York with federal assistance, and it provides cash or direct-to-utility payments to cover the cost of a residential heating system, whether it's powered by propane, natural gas or electricity.

It can also be used to cover the cost of buying fuel like pellets or wood, or used to cover a portion of an individual's rent if their heating costs are built into their rental agreement.

A special pot of money called the "Clean and Tune" benefit can also provide up to $500 for maintenance on heating equipment, including chimney cleaning, minor repairs, carbon monoxide detector installation or thermostat replacement.

New Yorkers with children under age 6 or family in the home over age 60 or who are permanently disabled are eligible to receive $996 in assistance regardless of income.

To qualify based on income, a household of just one person can make at most $3,322 per month to receive a benefit.

For a family of four, the monthly income maximum is $6,390.

More information on eligibility requirements can be found at ny.gov/heat .

Payments come in one lump sum, and those who qualify could be eligible for a second emergency benefit later in the winter if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service cut for nonpayment.

"The Home Energy Assistance Program puts money back in the pockets of New Yorkers — helping households stay warm through the winter and providing much-needed financial relief," Hochul said. "I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply today."