Senator Murphy Announces A Heap Of Financial Help For Struggling Seniors And Families

YORKTOWN – Sunny afternoons and unusually mild temperatures have been the norm for this November, but months of bone-chilling winter weather undoubtedly lie ahead. To help homeowners facing financial hardships weather the withering winter, Senator Terrence Murphy has announced that applications for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) are now available.

“We all know how rough winter in the Hudson Valley can be, especially for our seniors and families on fixed incomes,” said Senator Murphy. “No one should have to freeze in their own home, or have to make the choice between eating or paying their heating bill. This program will help ensure those in need can stay healthy and warm this winter.”

“I support the HEAP program, which benefits people in need facing financial hardship,” said Linda Puglisi, Town Supervisor for the Town of Cortlandt. “The Town of Cortlandt started a home heating program initiated by Councilman Richard Becker several years ago called CHOP (Cortlandt Heating Oil Program) that also caps the prices of oil deliveries to participants.”

Patricia Sheehy, Director, Putnam County Office for Senior Resources said, “The heating season has begun and HEAP assistance is available. We encourage all seniors who may be in need of help staying warm to contact the Office for Senior Resources so we can help facilitate their applying for HEAP.”

HEAP money is available to seniors and low-to-moderate income families. Eligibility depends on income, size of the dwelling, and what serves as a primary heating source. Eligible energy sources include homes heated by electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, wood pellets or kerosene. Up to $626 per home is available during the program year, and those eligible for a HEAP benefit may also receive emergency benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or at risk of having their heat shut off.

Last winter, during the 2015-16 heating season, 97,506 households in the Hudson Valley received assistance through the HEAP program. Over 1.4 million households statewide were helped by the federally funded program.

Applications for the HEAP program are available on-line at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.  Anyone interested in applying in person can also make an appointment at their regional Office for Senior Resources.