New Yorkers should be able to apply for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits soon, but the application delay may extend even longer as Gov. Kathy Hochul says the Trump administration has yet to release the necessary funds.
The annual application window, which typically opens in early November, was initially delayed due to the historic 43-day long federal government shutdown that ended on Nov. 12. And while New York state is prepared to open the application window on Nov. 24, Hochul says that may not happen.
“It’s shameful that the Trump Administration is threatening to make New Yorkers pay more for their heating bills this winter — and I’m demanding the immediate release of federal funds to help 1.5 million New Yorkers heat their homes,” Hochul said in a Nov. 17 news release.
Here’s what to know.
What is HEAP?
If you heat your home with electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood or wood pellets, kerosene or corn, HEAP can help you heat and cool your home by providing up to $900 in benefits.
In 2023, 70% of New York households who received HEAP included a child under the age of six, someone 60 or above or an individual with a disability, NYSEG and RG&E spokesperson Alexis Arnold said. The 1.4 million New Yorkers who relied on HEAP that same year received almost $440 million in the program’s benefits.
According to Hochul, once the funds are made available, the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will be ready to open the application window within 48 hours.
New Yorkers may be eligible for another energy assistance program
While New Yorkers wait for the HEAP application window to open, the state is encouraging residents to apply for the state’s Energy Affordability Program, or EAP, which provides up to $500 in annual discounts on energy bills.
Earlier this month before the shutdown ended, Hochul directed the New York State Department of Public Service to require New York’s major utility companies to ensure that any New Yorkers enrolled in the state’s EAP continue to receive their discount, regardless of the HEAP’s status.
While around one million New York households already receive the benefits based on household income, state officials say around 1.5 million additional households statewide are eligible to enroll and receive EAP discounts and do so through their local energy provider.
For more information on New York’s EAP, visit ny.gov/EAP.
New York Attorney General reminds residents of their utility protections
As New Yorkers wait to sign up for HEAP this year, New York Attorney General Letitia James is reminding residents of their utility protections, which are as follows:
If you experience an unauthorized shutoff of your utilities or believe you’ve been taken advantage of, the Attorney General’s office says to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY HEAP applications may be delayed longer as federal funds remain frozen
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
