NEW YORK STATE  —  New Yorkers can be better braced for the cold after Governor Hochul announced recently that funding once again is available to help low and middle-income households and older adults lower their energy costs and keep their homes warm via Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP.

In the released statement, Hochul noted that eligible New Yorkers can receive up to $1,000 in heating assistance as they prepare for the tempertures to drop into the winter months.

“New Yorkers should not have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table, and we’re offering critical financial assistance to protect vulnerable New York households as the weather gets colder,” Governor Hochul said. “The Home Energy Assistance Program puts money back in the pockets of New Yorkers — helping households stay warm through the winter and providing much-needed financial relief. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply today.”

According to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, more than 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter, saving New York families over $397 million dollars. Last year, more than 111,000 HEAP benefits were awarded to Mid-Hudson Region households — in Sullivan County, 9,170 people received benefits.

“HEAP’s Regular component – offering a one-time payment to help buy fuel to heat a home – began November 1,” noted Sullivan County Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee. “But the Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR) and the Heating Equipment Clean & Tune (C&T) components have already begun. They provide funding to have trained professionals inspect, service and even replace furnaces, boilers, stoves and other heating equipment for the homeowner.”

Apply for HEAP today

Eligible households can receive one HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for up to two Emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for HEAP benefits are now being accepted, while applications for Emergency HEAP benefits will open on January 2, 2025.

Applications can be submitted by contacting the Sullivan County Department of Social Services. Contact them via mail at PO Box 231, 16 Community Lane, Liberty, NY 12754, or call 845-807-0142, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Applications can also be obtained from the County’s community partners:

Action Toward                      Independence,           845-794-4228

Independent Living, 845-794-3322

Sullivan County Office for the Aging,             845-807-0241