Padavan says ‘Jump on HEAP’

State Senator Frank Padavan has announced that enrollment for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is underway. The application process for enrollment in the program began on November 1.
HEAP is designed to help low-income families and seniors reduce the cost of home heating this winter. “Last year alone, over a million New Yorkers benefited from the HEAP program,” Padavan said.
The amount of HEAP aid is determined based on household income, heating expenses, number of family members that reside in the household and the type of heat used. Under the program, maximum benefits are granted to households with the lowest income and the highest energy cost in relation to income.
Funded by the federal government, HEAP is administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and is managed by local social services departments.
Maximum HEAP benefits were increased from $440 to $540 this winter. Income eligibility thresholds have also been raised.
Queens residents can apply for HEAP benefits by mailing their applications to the New York City Human Resources Administration at 180 Water Street, New York, NY 10038.
Seniors can also visit www.nyc.gov/aging for more information.
“Over the years, HEAP has been instrumental in helping families and seniors face the growing cost of home heating during winter months,” Padavan said. “With analysts predicating potential record increases in the prices for home heating oil, I urge everyone eligible to apply for assistance under HEAP before the winter takes hold.”
For more information or an application for the HEAP program, you can also call the NYS HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009 or visit www.otda.state.ny.us.
Applicants can also call the New York City Human Resources Administration at 1-877-472-8411 or the city’s 3-1-1 hotline for more information.