Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday signed a new bill that will improve access to the Home Energy Assistance Program for seniors across New York State.
The legislation mandates the Department of Health to provide Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program beneficiaries with enrollment information and annual notices to improve access to critical heating services and related costs during the winter months, according to a press release.
Hochul said the relief program, dubbed HEAP, was in response to the "affordability crisis" affecting many New Yorkers struggling with essential heating costs, among others.
HEAP provides up to $996 in heating assistance for eligible households. It has delivered over $397 million to New Yorkers this year, supporting seniors and low-income families with energy costs.
"Programs like HEAP help put money back in the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers, helping heat their homes in the dead of winter,” Hochul said. “From raising the minimum wage to our proposed inflation refund checks, we’re doing everything we can to tackle the affordability crisis head-on.”
Barbara C. Guinn, the assistance commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, applauded the new law.
"HEAP is a vital lifeline for low-income working families and older adults on a fixed income and also provides financial support to ensure those in emergency situations can keep the heat on and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months," she said.
