New York Governor Announces $90 Million in Federal Aid for Home Heating During Winter

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Dec. 28 announced an increase in emergency aid for low-and middle-income families to keep their homes heated during the winter. The move aims to prevent disconnecting or exhausting sources amid expected increases in fuel prices. Compared to last year, the emergency benefit planned for this winter ranges from 32 to nearly 43 percent.

More than $90 million in federal funding will be available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The start of applications for emergency benefits began on Jan. 3. to help households that have used up their regular benefit and are currently facing a heating emergency. Last year, the heating emergency benefit supported more than 111,000 residents, and OTDA distributed about $65 million during the 2020-2021 winter season.

The aid is intended for households that are in arrears in the payment of energy bills (heating service or electricity) or have heating systems with low fuel inventories to face this winter. The amount available per household is based on the type of heating fuel. For homes that use natural gas as heating fuel, applicants will be eligible for grants of $465, representing an increase of 32.8 percent, while a house that uses oil, kerosene or propane will be able to obtain an amount of $965, an increase of 42.9 percent.

Another form of assistance is aimed at homes where the main heating equipment is not safe or does not work and must be repaired or replaced. In these cases, the amounts range from $3,000 for repair to $6,500 for replacement. Clean and tune benefit is also an option for eligible homes to ensure that the main heating equipment works efficiently.

OTDA also continues to accept regular HEAP applications for arrears supplement, with $150 million in federal funding to help eligible residents pay heating utility arrears.