Senator Fuschillo Votes For $100 Million In Additional Funding For Home Energy Assistance Program
To help give relief from higher home heating costs, the New York State Legislature passed legislation to provide an additional $100 million in state aid for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), according to Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District).
"With the skyrocketing costs of home heating oil and natural gas, many people, especially senior citizens, are having trouble paying their heating bills. The result is that they are being forced to make difficult choices between heating their homes, paying for their prescriptions, or putting food on the table. This funding will provide additional aid to the HEAP program, giving eligible residents valuable assistance to get through the remaining winter months," said Senator Fuschillo, who voted for the legislation in the Senate.
The agreement adds a legislative commitment of $50 million on top of the $50 million increase proposed by Governor Pataki. This increased financial aid would prevent the anticipated shutdown of the HEAP program in March and would allow for additional HEAP benefits to eligible New Yorkers. The appropriation could also be used to ensure that the program has adequate funds for additional emergency grants, which prevents HEAP participants from having their electricity or gas shut off due to an inability to pay.
HEAP is a federally funded program administered on the state level by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The program assists eligible residents in meeting their home energy needs. Eligibility for the program is based on the applicant’s income and housing situation.
HEAP information can be accessed CLICKING HERE. Eligibility and application information can also be obtained by contacting the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1-800-342-3009, or by calling 516-565-4327 (in Nassau County) or 631-853-8825 (in Suffolk County).
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