Payments up to $900 to pay for heat in New York: Who qualifies and how to apply
Some New York State residents are eligible to receive financial aid of up to $900 to pay for heat. Find out who qualifies and how to apply for the amount.
As winter approaches, some states in the US are launching various forms of economic relief to help the families most in need during the coldest season of the year. The state of New York is one of those extending financial aid.
Through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the government is offering checks of up to $900 to eligible residents to pay for heating costs at home. According to a program estimate, the aid is expected to benefit 1.7 million New Yorkers. But who are the qualified residents?
Who is eligible for the $900 financial assistance for heat?
To be qualified for payments of up to $900 in New York you must be a resident of the state and have a gross monthly income at or below the current income guidelines for your household size. You must also receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance, or have Supplemental Security Income Security Code A (SSI Living Alone).
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How much money am I qualified to receive?
The maximum amount you can receive is $900. However, the exact figure will depend on the living situation of each home, as well as the respective primary heating source.
Those who live in government-subsidized housing and have heat included in the rent will receive basic assistance of $21 to $50. Households whose main source of heating is electricity or natural gas and make direct payments to the supplier based on their use, may receive a payment of up to $400 plus applicable add-ons.
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Families that use wood, wood pellets, charcoal or corn as a heating source and that make direct payments to the supplier for the costs thereof, are eligible for a payment of up to $650 plus applicable add-ons.
Finally, households whose main source of heating is oil, kerosene or propane and make direct payments to the supplier for their costs, can receive a payment of up to $900 plus applicable add-ons.
How to request checks of up to $900 in New York?
Applications for the regular 2023-2024 HEAP Program can be submitted beginning November 1, 2023. You can submit yours online through the Access NYC website or, if you prefer, you can go in person directly to your county offices.