SERINO SEEKS RELIEF FOR RESIDENTS AHEAD OF SURGING HOME HEATING BILLS

HYDE PARK, NY—Senator Sue Serino today announced the introduction of legislation that would create a new refundable tax credit to help bring down home heating costs for struggling residents.

“Everywhere I go, I hear from residents who are struggling to make ends meet, and a top complaint is the cost to power and heat their homes,” said Senator Serino. “Our neighbors know that prices will only rise when temperatures fall, and they need real relief, not more of the same. This bill will ensure that even more New Yorkers are able to benefit from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and help residents keep more of their hard-earned money. I urge my colleagues to hear the concerns of New Yorkers and join me in backing this important initiative.”

With home heating costs expected to rise over 30% percent in the coming months for many New York ratepayers, Senator Serino’s bill would create ‘Enhanced HEAP’ to build on relief currently provided under HEAP which provides a benefit of up to $976 in relief to low-and middle-income households and senior citizens.

Senator Serino’s bill would effectively increase the income eligibility limits for HEAP to provide critical relief to New Yorkers who currently cannot access the program, and would increase the benefits for current HEAP beneficiaries. Under this legislation, a family of four with an annual gross income of $100,000 would be eligible to receive this benefit, an increase from the current eligibility limit, which is capped for the same family at $65,829.

Senator Serino is also encouraging neighbors who are currently eligible to receive benefits through HEAP to apply immediately, as benefits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility and benefits are based on several factors including income, number of members in the household, and the primary home heating source. There are several benefit add-ons also available to help ensure heating systems are operating efficiently. To learn more about the program, determine eligibility and apply, click here.

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