Dec. 23—Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday, Dec. 23 that she has signed legislation that will increase the accessibility of home heating aid and help identify more seniors who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program — a federal program available to New Yorkers implemented to help low-income homeowners and renters afford costs associated with heating and cooling.
Through the legislation, applicants and participants of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program will be provided information and instructions for enrollment in HEAP, according to a news release from Hochul’s office.
“Programs like HEAP help put money back in the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers, helping heat their homes in the dead of winter,” Hochul said. “From raising the minimum wage to our proposed inflation refund checks, we’re doing everything we can to tackle the affordability crisis head-on.”
Under the legislation, the Department of Health, which oversees EPIC and its applications, will provide HEAP information and enrollment information with each EPIC application and also through an annual notice to EPIC participants.
State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation that will enable more eligible seniors in New York to become aware of and enroll in the critical cost-saving assistance provided by the Home Energy Assistance Program. HEAP is a vital lifeline for low-income working families and older adults on a fixed income and also provides financial support to ensure those in emergency situations can keep the heat on and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul understands that having a safe and comfortable home, protected from the elements, is a social determinant of health that is foundational to improved health outcomes. New York sees some of the coldest temperatures during the winter and this important legislation will ensure New York’s most vulnerable senior citizens are safeguarded from the cold without facing the added costs of heating their homes.”
On Nov. 12, Hochul announced that additional funding was available for seniors and low- and middle-income households to help lower their heat and energy bills. HEAP can provide up to $996 to eligible households.
Applications for the regular HEAP benefit opened Nov. 1 and can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/46uuz5m7. Seniors who require assistance filling out their HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 800-342-9871.