Queens – Assemblywoman Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth) announced today that New York State is supplementing its Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) with $82.3 million in additional federal aid to help eligible households meet their home heating needs this winter. This is in addition to the $178 million issued throughout the state so far this heating season.
“The exorbitant cost of keeping warm during the cold winter months has presented a real struggle for too many Queens families,” Assemblywoman Markey said. “Regular HEAP benefits – and now this added emergency benefit – allow low-income households, as well as households with vulnerable members like children, seniors or people with disabilities, to keep their heat turned on throughout the cold weather.”
So far this heating season, HEAP has issued benefits to more than 719,000 families statewide. This is the second time in HEAP history that a second level of emergency help has been made available; the program was added this year because of record-high energy costs. The additional funding this month covers a second emergency benefit of up to $700 per eligible household that will be made available to those who have already received HEAP funding this winter.
“Qualified New Yorkers in a heating crisis can benefit from HEAP assistance,” Assemblywoman Markey said. “Those who face an imminent power shut-off because of unpaid bills or have less than a 10-day supply of heating oil are eligible for the emergency funding. Keeping warm is a crucial matter and can be one of life or death. I urge those families who need assistance to seek it immediately.”
HEAP applications are available on the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site at www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap or through the NYC Department for the Aging at 1-800-692-0557. Local HEAP offices in Queens are at 33-28 Northern Boulevard, 165-08 88th Avenue and 120-55 Queens Boulevard. Applications will be accepted through May 15.
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