NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that there will be more than $90 million in federal funding available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid a spike in fuel prices this winter.
The state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the Home Energy Assistance Program will begin accepting emergency benefit applications starting Monday, January 3, for those New Yorkers who have already used up their regular benefit and who are now facing a heating emergency.
"With the arrival of frigid winter weather and surging fuel prices, we must do everything in our power to safeguard vulnerable New Yorkers struggling to keep their heat on," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "This significant increase in available emergency home heating aid represents a lifeline for tens of thousands of families. It will help them heat their homes, prevent overdue bills from piling up, and avoid the incredible stress and anxiety that can overwhelm anyone facing a heating emergency."
The emergency benefit amount per household has also been increased by at least 32 percent, and upward of 42 percent, depending on the type of heating fuel used for the household.
Related
According to the state, a home heated with natural gas will now be eligible for $465, a 32.8 percent increase over last year's benefit; while a home using oil, kerosene or propane will be eligible for a $965, a 42.9 percent increase over the prior year.
"Far too many New Yorkers struggle to make ends meet as the cold-weather months continue. And with the pronounced increases in heating utility expenses, this year will be no exception," Office of Temporary Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. HEAP's emergency benefit provides a timely stop-gap for those households that are falling behind on their heating bills or are at-risk of exhausting their heating fuel supply so that they can continue warming their homes through the winter."
During the fall, the New York Public Service Commission forecast that electric and natural gas bills will be significantly higher for the 2021-2022 winter season, with natural gas projected to increase by an average of about 21 percent statewide.
According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the cost of propane has also increased about 30 percent since last winter.
In order to be eligible for the emergency benefit, an income qualifying household must be facing a heating utility shutoff, or electric utility service disconnection if it is necessary to operate the primary heating equipment.
Households that have exhausted their heating fuel supply or have less than a one-quarter tank of oil, kerosene, or propane; or have less than a 10-day supply of other heating fuels, also qualify for benefits.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here.
Last year, the heating emergency benefit provided critical assistance to more than 111,000 New Yorkers and distributed roughly $65 million in emergency heating assistance during the 2020-2021 winter season.
Related
