Winter is one of the most difficult times of year, and when the cold hits with full force, staying warm at home should not be difficult.
However, for many families in the United States, heating costs can become an almost impossible barrier to overcome, making it difficult to stay warm during the winter.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a benefit of up to $996 for families who struggle to pay their electric bills.
What is this HEAP aid?
It is a program that helps low-income families pay for various types of electricity expenses. During the winter, the payment shifts from gas or electricity bills to repairs or even the replacement of inefficient heating equipment.
What do I do to apply for this benefit?
Applications for the 2024-2025 season will be open beginning January 2, 2025.
The eligibility criteria for this program are based on family income and household size, but the maximum limits are as follows:
- 1 person: $47,890
- 2 people: $62,570
- 3 people: $68,312
- 4 people: $76,681
- 5 people: $83,470
What kind of heating source can I have?
This program applies to all types of heating, including electric, natural gas, oil, propane, coal, wood, and pellets.
How is the money from this program delivered?
This program does not distribute money to families, but rather pays directly to the heating provider with whom the families have contracted.
The payment is calculated based on each household’s actual consumption, ensuring that the money is spent solely on energy costs.
Are there any other things we should know?
There are extra requirements for this payment, and the following basic conditions must be met:
- At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or legally qualified.
- The household’s monthly income must be below the limits established for its size.
- The household must be enrolled in programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance), Temporary Assistance (TA), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
- If the household is in Income Level 1, the base benefit can increase by $61. And it must meet one of the following conditions:
- An adult in the household receives ongoing assistance from TANF, SNAP, or SSI.
- Income is below 130% of the federal poverty threshold based on household size
What about the most vulnerable households?
Households with people over the age of 60, children under the age of six, or people with chronic disabilities may receive up to a $35 increase in the base benefit.
How do I apply?
Remember that this HEAP payment is only for New York residents, so you can submit your application at the local offices in this city.
It is recommended that you bring all the necessary documentation, which can include heating bills, proof of income, family record book and any other information that can support your case.
If you are eligible, they will contact you and tell you how to proceed and your payment will be ready.