NY helping HEAP eligible families behind on utility payments due to pandemic

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York State has made money available to low-income families who have fallen behind on their utility bills due to the pandemic.

Families who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) but not eligible for New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program are eligible for one-time payments to help keep the heat on.

The state is using $150 million from the American Rescue Plan.

Payments will be made until September 2022 or until the funding runs out.

Families can get up to $10,000 to pay their heating bills.

Click here to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here to apply online.