Many low-income New Yorkers could be left without heat after the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) ran out of funding.
Reports say the federally funded program helped pay for air conditioning in the summer and home heating in the winter. However, the program stopped accepting applications on Tuesday and will be closed for the remainder of the winter.
According to NYS law, the program’s applications open each November until funding runs out. The program opened on Nov. 1, 2024, but applications were accepted for less than 12 weeks before the money ran out.
There has been no response from the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, on this matter and how much money was given to the program this year. Bronx Councilwoman Diana Ayala said lawmakers should consider increasing the program’s funding.
“The fact that we’re running out of money is indicative of the high need,” she said. “That should trigger a conversation about an enhancement in the budget for this program specifically.” HEAP was helping individuals making less than $3,322 a month or families of four with a monthly household income below $6,390.
The assistance amount varies based on the needs of the individual or the family with money ranging from $21 to $900. It is unclear the number of people who received HEAP assistance this winter before the funds ran out.
Low-income New Yorkers can apply for state emergency HEAP benefits. It’s a separate fund for New Yorkers who have run out of fuel or have their heat cut off.