New York's heat assistance program, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), has been thrown into chaos due to a federal shutdown that is delaying its launch by several weeks. The state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that it will not accept applications until at least November 17, citing stalled federal funding.
The delay is already having devastating effects on low-income households who rely on the program for heating assistance. For many families, losing access to HEAP could also mean losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, forcing them to make impossible choices about what to do next.
"Heap is not just a heating aid program," said Laurie Wheelock, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project. "It's also a lifeline for households that are struggling to pay their utility bills. It offers temporary protection against shut-offs and emergency benefits when the winter months arrive."
The consequences of this delay are dire. Many low-income families have been counting on receiving HEAP grants every year, and some even rely on auto-payments through SNAP. Without access to the program, they will be left vulnerable to the cold, forced to make impossible choices about how to heat their homes.
Governor Kathy Hochul has taken aim at Congress for its role in allowing this crisis to unfold. At a press conference Tuesday, she scolded lawmakers for failing to provide support for vulnerable New Yorkers who rely on food, health, and energy assistance programs like HEAP. "We will not be silenced while they take away food from our kids," Hochul said, vowing that her administration would not let lawmakers turn their backs on those in need.
The federal shutdown has already had a ripple effect across the state's government aid programs, with many at risk of being affected if the crisis drags on. The delay is a stark reminder of the importance of stable funding for critical social services – and the devastating consequences when it is not provided.
The delay is already having devastating effects on low-income households who rely on the program for heating assistance. For many families, losing access to HEAP could also mean losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, forcing them to make impossible choices about what to do next.
"Heap is not just a heating aid program," said Laurie Wheelock, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project. "It's also a lifeline for households that are struggling to pay their utility bills. It offers temporary protection against shut-offs and emergency benefits when the winter months arrive."
The consequences of this delay are dire. Many low-income families have been counting on receiving HEAP grants every year, and some even rely on auto-payments through SNAP. Without access to the program, they will be left vulnerable to the cold, forced to make impossible choices about how to heat their homes.
Governor Kathy Hochul has taken aim at Congress for its role in allowing this crisis to unfold. At a press conference Tuesday, she scolded lawmakers for failing to provide support for vulnerable New Yorkers who rely on food, health, and energy assistance programs like HEAP. "We will not be silenced while they take away food from our kids," Hochul said, vowing that her administration would not let lawmakers turn their backs on those in need.
The federal shutdown has already had a ripple effect across the state's government aid programs, with many at risk of being affected if the crisis drags on. The delay is a stark reminder of the importance of stable funding for critical social services – and the devastating consequences when it is not provided.
this is soooo bad!!! 
the federal shutdown is literally ruining lives here in New York 
and I'm talking about people who are already struggling to make ends meet 
it's like, what's the point of having a heat assistance program if you can't even access it for weeks?!?! 
they need that money ASAP to pay their bills and keep their kids warm during winter 
it's just heartbreaking thinking about all those families who are going to have to choose between eating or heating their homes 
the governor is totally right though 
Congress needs to step up their game and provide some support for our people 
. And honestly, those low-income families relying on HEAP are really gonna suffer... but like, maybe some people will start to take a closer look at their own budgets and see where they can cut back? I guess it's all about balance and stuff...
Governor Hochul is right though, Congress needs to step up and support vulnerable New Yorkers instead of just being all "oh, it's not our problem". 
We need stable funding for these social services ASAP or it'll be super hard for people in need. This shutdown is already causing a ripple effect and I'm worried about the consequences if this crisis drags on... 
. It's like they're playing a cruel game of hot potato, passing the buck and leaving people high and dry 
. The governor is right, though - someone's gotta speak up for those who can't advocate for themselves 
.