Applications for Emergency Home Heating Assistance now being accepted

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that beginning Jan. 2, eligible low-income New Yorkers, who are in danger of having their heat shut off or running out of fuel, can apply for emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits.

HEAP is a federally-funded program to help eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for a one-time emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their heat or heat-related utility service shut off.

Eligibility for emergency HEAP benefits is based on income, available resources and the type of emergency.  For a complete breakdown of the emergency heat and heat-related HEAP benefit amounts for 2012-2013, click here.

A complete list of where to apply locally can be found here.  More information can also be found by calling the New York State HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871