The shortage of funds for HEAP — a pot of cash meant to assist pay for air-con in the summertime and residential heating within the winter — means the state program stopped accepting functions for help Tuesday, and won’t reopen for the remainder of the winter.
In the meantime, temperatures on the Nationwide Climate Service’s Central Park climate station haven’t gone above freezing all week, and are anticipated to stay under 32 levels till Sunday.
By legislation, functions for HEAP help open every year in early November, and stay open till the funds run out.
Ice is pictured within the Hudson River Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in New York Metropolis. (Barry Williams / New York Every day Information)
This yr, this system opened on Nov. 1 2024, which means functions have been being accepted for lower than 12 weeks earlier than funding lapsed.
The state’s Workplace of Short-term and Incapacity Help, which administers this system, didn’t instantly reply Wednesday when requested how a lot cash had been allotted for this system this yr.
Bronx Councilwoman Diana Ayala, who chairs the Metropolis Council’s Common Welfare Committee, mentioned HEAP already working out of cash is an indication lawmakers ought to take into account growing this system’s funding.
“The fact that we’re running out of money is indicative of the high need,” she mentioned. “That should trigger a conversation about an enhancement in the budget for this program specifically.”
People making lower than $3,322 a month — or households of 4 with a month-to-month family earnings under $6,390 — are eligible for help beneath HEAP.
The shortage of funds means the state’s Residence Vitality Help Program — a pot of cash meant to assist low-income New Yorkers pay for air-con in the summertime and residential heating within the winter — stopped accepting functions for help Tuesday, and won’t reopen this winter. (Shutterstock)
The quantity of help varies primarily based on want — from $21 for these residing in government-subsidized housing whose warmth is included of their lease — to over $900 for many who pay immediately for oil, kerosene, or propane warmth.
It was not instantly clear what number of households obtained help this winter earlier than funding ran out.
The state’s emergency HEAP advantages — a separate fund meant for low-income New Yorkers who’ve run out of gas or have had their warmth minimize off — stays open to functions.
Initially Revealed: January 22, 2025 at 7:52 PM EST
