Hikind Encourages Seniors and Income-Qualified Households to Apply for Heating Assistance Program Beginning Monday, Nov. 16

Applications and Assistance Available at Hikind’s Office

Staff at Assemblyman Hikind’s office reviewing benefits with a constituent.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is reminding New Yorkers that assistance is available for eligible households who need help with the cost of heating their homes this winter. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which opens Monday, November 16, 2015, is a federally funded program and overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. It offers a one-time award to eligible low-income and elderly homeowners or tenants toward their heating or electric bills. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency beginning January 4, 2016.

“The approach of the winter weather brings with it increased heating costs. I strongly encourage those eligible households to apply for HEAP. This is a life-saving resource for seniors on a fixed income and working families struggling to make ends meet. Anyone can call my office or visit to receive assistance.”

Those who received a regular, non-emergency, HEAP benefit last year will be mailed an application for this year’s program. Applications for 2015-2016 will be available starting November 16, 2015. To receive a new application or assistance with filling it out, visit Assemblyman Hikind’s office at 1310 48th Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11219 or call 718-853-9616. Applications can also be obtained online by visiting http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ or by calling the HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009 or 311.