Winter is one of the most challenging times of the year, and when the cold hits with all its force, keeping a warm home shouldn’t be a big struggle. However, for many families in the United States, heating costs can become an almost impossible challenge to overcome, making it difficult to stay warm in the winter. That’s why the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) appears, with which a benefit of up to $996 can be obtained, which helps cover the electric bills for families who have a harder time making ends meet.
What is this HEAP aid?
It is a program that provides financial assistance to cover different types of electricity expenses for disadvantaged families. Now in winter, the payment goes 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 from January 2, 2025.
The requirements to qualify 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 type of heating source can I have?
This program covers all types of heating, whether electric, natural gas, oil, propane, coal or wood or pellets, you will be able to access this payment.
How is the money from this program delivered?
This program does not deliver the money to the families, but rather makes the payment directly to the heating provider that the family members have contracted. The payment is calculated based on the actual consumption of each household and thus they ensure that the money is used solely and exclusively to cover 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?
Those households that have people over 60 years old or children under 6 years old, or even people with chronic disabilities, can receive up to an additional increase of $35 of 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.