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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. February 7, 2004: Bitter temperatures this winter caused a sudden increase in home heating costs – wreaking havoc on family budgets.
To give Westchester relief, I helped pass a resolution urging President Bush and the United States Congress to provide additional funds for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Thankfully, the federal government acted quickly to provide more aid.
HEAP provides grants from $40 to $400 to help eligible low-income seniors, those with disabilities and families pay their heat bills. New York’s program provides regular and emergency benefits to eligible renters and homeowners alike.
Eligibility is based on variables including household income, living arrangement, heating expenses, young, old or disabled family members, and type of heat. For instance, a family of four that pays for its heat directly and has a gross monthly income of less than $3,325 could receive between $150 and $400. An elderly couple that doesn’t pay directly for heat and makes less than $2,261 monthly could save between $40 and $50.
Skyrocketing home heating costs are a real emergency – especially in a winter with near-record lows. Through the end of January, 640,000 households received assistance – an increase of 39,000 over the same period last year. In an effort to fight the devastating cold, the additional funding helps New Yorkers avoid choosing between heating their homes and cutting back on basic necessities such as medicine or food – or worse, resorting to unsafe heating sources. The additional aid will help keep Westchester families safe and warm.
To receive an application or find out if you are eligible for HEAP benefits, contact my District Office at 686-7335 or call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can also visit www.otda.state.ny.us and download an application off the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site.
