Senator Marcellino Announces $5.9 Million To Help Long Island Pay For Heat This Winter

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset) today announced that Long Island will receive $5.9 million as a result of a Legislative agreement to provide emergency funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Under the Legislative agreement, the appropriation would prevent the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s anticipated shutdown of the program in March and would allow for additional HEAP benefits to seniors and other low-income New Yorkers. The appropriation could also be used to ensure that the program has adequate funds for additional emergency grants, which prevent senior and low-income households from having their electricity or gas shut off due to an inability to pay.

"With energy prices skyrocketing, it is imperative that we help New Yorkers make ends meet. No one should have to choose between oil in their furnace and food on the table. This funding will help the needy maintain a decent quality of life, while the temperature drops and home fuel costs rise," said Senator Marcellino.

Last year, the HEAP program had approximately 848,000 beneficiaries in New York State. According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, eligible households that pay directly for heat receive a HEAP benefit amount ranging from $150 to $400 and eligible households that do not pay directly for heat receive a standard statewide benefit of $40 or $50, depending on income level.

HEAP eligibility in New York is based on household size and income. For example, gross monthly income for a household of two must be at or below $2,358 and for a household of four must be at or below $3,468.

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