With winter quickly approaching and temperatures getting colder, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, is urging those needing help covering household heating costs to take advantage of the Home Energy Assistance Program. You can apply for assistance through the program beginning Monday, Nov. 13.
Overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, HEAP is a federally funded program that helps low to middle-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. There is $327 million in federal funding available to help those who qualify and a family of four that makes up to $53,482 per year is eligible for assistance.
Eligibility and benefits are based on several factors, including income, household size and the source used to heat the home.
You can apply for HEAP online by visiting myBenefits.ny.gov. There also are local offices throughout the senator’s district where you can apply and where they can help with or answer questions about the program:
- Oneida County Department of Social Services: In person by visiting the department at 800 Park Ave. in Utica or at 300 West Dominick St. in Rome, or by calling (315) 798-5559 (Utica) or (315) 338-0240 (Rome).
- Lewis County Department of Social Services: In person by visiting the department at 5274 Outer Stowe St. in Lowville, or by calling (315) 376-5400.
- St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services: In person by visiting the department at 6 Judson St. in Canton, or by calling (315) 379-2303.
Additional information can be found by visiting www.ny.gov/services/apply-heap or by calling 1-800-342-3009.
“The colder months can be difficult for some when it comes to making sure they can cover the costs of heating their homes,” Sen. Griffo said. “HEAP is a valuable tool that can help many in the state stay warm this winter and I hope that those who need it take advantage of this program this season.”
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Alex Gerould
Director of Communications
State Sen. Joseph Griffo
gerould@nysenate.gov
315-200-2378 (cell)
315-793-9072 (office)
