New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, offers eligible households up to $650 for the payment of energy cost. For this winter season, enrollment for heating assistance begins on November 18.

Traditionally, HEAP has been a benefit to eligible New York City residents, but for the first time, anyone living outside of New York City may also apply online.

“Every winter season, this program is a critical resource for low-income families and senior citizens with fixed incomes in keeping their homes warm,” according to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “I urge New Yorkers who need heating assistance in the coming months to apply this season.”

HEAP is a federally-funded program offering benefits based on eligibility. It looks at family income and household size. To qualify, the following criteria must be met:

Household Size                 Maximum Gross Monthly Income

1                                           $2,175

2                                           $2,844

3                                           $3,513

4                                           $4,182

5                                           $4,852

6                                           $5,521

7                                           $5,646

8                                           $5,772

9                                           $5,897

10                                         $6,023

11                                         $6,461

      Each additional household member after a size of 11, add $503.

Those eligible may apply at myBenefits.ny.gov. Seniors in the county of Suffolk may also have their application processed at the Suffolk County Office for the Aging. The benefit is available on a first-come, first serve basis while available.

For those in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off, there is also the additional emergency HEAP benefit with applications being accepted starting January 2, 2014.

Assistance is also available to eligible low-income homeowners for the repair or replacement of furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source functional. For this assistance, applicants must apply for the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Component of the Home Energy Assistance Program in person at their local department of social services.

HEAP benefits helped more than 1.4 million households last winter.

Additional information may also be found at www.otda.ny.gov or by visiting the local County Social Services District.

[Source: Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; Legislator Lou D’Amaro.]