ALBANY – Area residents looking to get financial assistance for their winter heating bills can begin the application process today.
Households across the New York can begin applying for heating assistance this winter through New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program – Also known as HEAP – today. HEAP 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. It is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
For the first time, anyone living outside of New York City who is seeking a regular HEAP benefit will be able to submit applications online at myBenefits.ny.gov.
For the 2013-14 HEAP heating season, the maximum regular benefit a household could receive is $650.
Eligibility for HEAP is based on income and household size, ranging from 1 to 8 or more. For example, a household of one individual needs to have a monthly gross income of less than $2,175 to qualify; while a household of four would need a monthly gross income of $4,182 or less to qualify.
Complete guidelines can be found on the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.
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