HEAP Deadline Extended to April 12
ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 18 announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their energy bills, are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits.
HEAP, which is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded and can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. Normally, eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for a single Emergency HEAP benefit if they face an energy crisis. Those that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter will be able to apply for an additional emergency benefit, if they are facing a utility shut off or are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to replenish it.
Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services. The Saratoga County Department of Social Services is located at 152 West High St., in Ballston Spa. Phone 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays at: 518-884-4146.
Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact the Saratoga County Office for the Aging at that same address, telephone: 518-884-4100.
The deadline for the Regular, Emergency, and second Emergency benefit is April 12. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.