New York residents waiting on federal funds for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) are finally set to receive their help in December after a series of delays caused by the recent government shutdown. Governor Kathy Hochul's administration had been working towards opening the program as early as November 24, but they were still waiting for the necessary funding to be released from federal authorities.
The delay has pushed back the start date for accepting applications and payments under the program, which provides assistance with heating bills or equipment up to a certain amount. Eligibility is based on income or participation in specific programs, and the cost varies depending on factors such as household size, heating source, and vulnerability status.
Hochul's office says they will work closely with federal authorities to ensure that New Yorkers receive their benefits as soon as possible. The state has also announced plans to offer emergency payments for households experiencing disruptions in their heat services, which can be applied for starting January 2.
In addition to the federal program, residents can also take advantage of a separate energy assistance program called Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides discounts on monthly utility bills. All HEAP recipients are automatically enrolled in EAP, but some households may also qualify through other state programs.
While the wait for federal funding has been frustrating, officials say they will work to provide support to those who need it most. Residents can apply online or by mail and contact local social services offices for assistance. Those experiencing difficulties with utility payments can reach out to the Human Resources Administration or call 311 to report heat issues.
It's worth noting that building owners in New York City are required to keep temperatures at a minimum of 68 degrees between 6 am and 10 pm during the heating season, which runs from October 1 to May 1. Tenants who fail to pay their rent due to lack of heat may be entitled to a rent abatement.
In the meantime, residents can take steps to protect themselves from utility shut-offs by keeping a record of temperatures, contacting their utility companies for assistance, and filing complaints with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development or state Homes and Community Renewal agency.
The delay has pushed back the start date for accepting applications and payments under the program, which provides assistance with heating bills or equipment up to a certain amount. Eligibility is based on income or participation in specific programs, and the cost varies depending on factors such as household size, heating source, and vulnerability status.
Hochul's office says they will work closely with federal authorities to ensure that New Yorkers receive their benefits as soon as possible. The state has also announced plans to offer emergency payments for households experiencing disruptions in their heat services, which can be applied for starting January 2.
In addition to the federal program, residents can also take advantage of a separate energy assistance program called Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides discounts on monthly utility bills. All HEAP recipients are automatically enrolled in EAP, but some households may also qualify through other state programs.
While the wait for federal funding has been frustrating, officials say they will work to provide support to those who need it most. Residents can apply online or by mail and contact local social services offices for assistance. Those experiencing difficulties with utility payments can reach out to the Human Resources Administration or call 311 to report heat issues.
It's worth noting that building owners in New York City are required to keep temperatures at a minimum of 68 degrees between 6 am and 10 pm during the heating season, which runs from October 1 to May 1. Tenants who fail to pay their rent due to lack of heat may be entitled to a rent abatement.
In the meantime, residents can take steps to protect themselves from utility shut-offs by keeping a record of temperatures, contacting their utility companies for assistance, and filing complaints with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development or state Homes and Community Renewal agency.
Dec is here & people in NYC r gonna get that HEAP help they needed. I mean, who had time 4 a gov shutdown 2 mess w/ their heat bills? 
But seriously, why did it take so long 4 them 2 get the funding? Like, didn't they plan 4 this? 
Need 2 advocate 4 better policies ASAP! 
I'm so relieved that NY residents are finally gonna get some help with those heating bills! December feels like forever ago, I know. 
Can't say enough about how tough it must be to deal with utility bills when you can barely keep up with rent payments already... 
Hope everyone stays warm and cozy till the funds come through! 
I'm so glad they're finally going to receive the help they need, like, it's been ages since they've had any federal funds 
. It's just not right that some ppl have to choose between heat and food 
. 
was expecting more urgency from them, you know? 
But I guess they're making up for lost time now 
. Fingers crossed that everyone gets the support they need 
I'm so glad they're finally getting those federal funds out for HEAP. I mean, can you imagine waiting till Dec for help that's supposed to be there by Nov? It's crazy. And yeah, the delay is frustrating, especially for low-income families who are already struggling. But at least Hochul's office is working with the feds to get it sorted out ASAP.
. The EAP program sounds like a great perk too - discounts on utility bills? Sign me up!
The fact that they're offering emergency payments now is a huge relief, but still, I hope everyone gets the help they need ASAP 
.
It seems kinda harsh, especially for tenants who can't afford it. Maybe they should think about rent control or something? 
But hey, at least there are resources available for people to report heat issues and get help... fingers crossed everyone takes advantage of them 
Federal funding delay = Winter is coming! 
Paying bills = stressful life 
️ NYC building owners: you're on rent control duty! 
]
Keep records of temps & heat issues to avoid shut-offs 
]
New Yorkers, don't be a couch potato - stay warm! 
️ ]
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it's crazy how the gov shutdown messed up people's lives in NY... they're finally gonna get help from HEAP but like, a month after the deadline 
i feel for those who are low-income or elderly, they gotta rely on these programs just to stay warm 
. They need our support now, not in a few weeks 
. Can't they just get the funding sorted out already? 
, gotta protect those tenants from being left out in the cold 
I'm so glad that NY residents are finally going to get help with their heating bills! It's been ages since they've had a chance to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and it's just not fair that they had to wait because of the government shutdown 
. I'm so grateful that there are resources available like the Emergency Payments program, which will give some households a bit of extra help when they need it most 
.
but its great 2 hear thats the state is also offerin emergency payments & discount on utility bills 2 help out ASAP 
. I mean, come on, people who are struggling to heat their homes deserve some help ASAP 
.
. Still, I hope no one has to deal with rent abatement because of it 
. And for households experiencing disruptions in their heat services, emergency payments will be available starting January 2 
Can't wait to get my hands on those emergency payments and start heating up my pad. Anyone else ready for winter?