SENATOR FUSCHILLO INFORMS RESIDENTS THAT HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENS ON NOVEMBER 18th

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is informing residents that New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin accepting applications on Monday, November 18th. HEAP, which is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), is a federally-funded program that provides up to $650 for eligible households to pay for energy costs in order to keep their homes warm during the winter.

     For the first time, Long Islanders will be able to submit applications for regular HEAP benefits online at myBenefits.ny.gov starting on November 18th.

     According to OTDA, the maximum regular benefit a household could receive for the 2013-14 heating season is $650. Eligibility for HEAP is based on income and household size. Residents can obtain more information about eligibility criteria by visiting http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

     Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but could also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency HEAP benefits will be accepted beginning Thursday, January 2, 2014. Households in an energy emergency situation should call their local department of social services for assistance.

     In addition, the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Component of the Home Energy Assistance Program is available to help eligible homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep their home's primary heating source functional. Applications for this component must be made in person at the local department of social services.

     Residents can also check if they may be eligible for HEAP and other benefits by answering a few questions online at myBenefits.ny.gov.