Williamsburg

Lentol says HEAP provides help to homeowners in winter

December 1, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Assemblymember Joseph Lentol says more than 1.4 million households received HEAP benefits last year. Photo courtesy of Lentol’s office
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Winter isn’t here yet, but it pays to think ahead, Assemblymember Joseph Lentol said.

Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) is urging homeowners who have trouble each year paying their home heating bills in the winter to get help from the government via the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federally funded program that provides relief to residents who struggle to pay their bills.

“Whether you own or rent your home, you can apply for direct benefits to help cover the costs of electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal or other heating fuels. Repair, replacement and emergency benefits are also available if your home heating equipment is in danger of failing,” Lentol said in a statement.

Eligibility for HEAP depends on factors such as income, household size, primary heating source and whether a member of the household is under the age of 6, over the age of 60 or permanently disabled.

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But benefits are available in several categories, according to Lentol, who said that this season, a household of four could earn up to $51,792 a year and still qualify for a one-time benefit of up to $625.

Last year, more than 1.4 million households received HEAP benefits.

“We’ve been fortunate to experience quite a few warm days this fall, but New York’s cold winter weather is coming, and that means turning up our thermostats and shouldering the high costs of heating our homes,” Lentol stated. “As the rising cost of heating our homes makes it difficult for North Brooklyn households to make ends meet, it’s essential that we ensure working families as well as elderly New Yorkers have the resources they need to stave off the harsh winter weather.”

Enrollment for HEAP is now open. For information, call the New York City Human Resources Administration at 800-692-0557, or visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

Lentol’s office also has information, call 718-383-7474 or email [email protected].


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