Lupinacci Encourages Residents To Apply For Home Energy Assisstance Program

Applications will be accepted starting November 18 

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is encouraging local residents to apply for heating assistance for the upcoming winter through New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Applications for the program will be accepted beginning Monday, November 18. 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.

“As we approach late fall, it is important that families begin preparing for winter and an important part of that is ensuring that heat will be available all winter long,” said Lupinacci. “The HEAP program provides low-income families and seniors with fixed incomes the assistance they need to ensure their homes are warm for the entire winter. I strongly encourage anyone in need of heating assistance to apply for the program.”

Information regarding program eligibility can be found by visiting. http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. To apply for the program residents should contact the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) or visit myBenefits.ny.gov. Assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Eligible residents can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but some eligible residents may receive emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency HEAP benefits will be accepted beginning Thursday, January 2, 2014.