Cooling Assistance Starts May 1

If you are having trouble paying for your heating oil deliveries during this challenging time – or anticipate that you will have problems with your cooling system bills in the coming months – help is available through the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program.

According to NY.gov:

“As of April 24, 2020, a third HEAP Emergency Benefit has been made available for households who have exhausted the Regular, first Emergency and second Emergency HEAP benefits and who are in a heat or heat-related energy emergency, as defined by HEAP, and who meet the eligibility guidelines for Emergency benefit assistance.”

Further information is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#overview.

Cooling assistance also available

Beginning May 1, eligible NY State residents could receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

• Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
• You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
• You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
• You and your household members are United States Citizens or qualified aliens, and
• Includes an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat, and
• You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year, and
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
• You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

For further details, visit http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#overview.

We’re in this together! Stay safe during this coronavirus outbreak with assistance from HEAP and quality home comfort services in eastern Long Island from Burt’s Reliable. Contact us today to learn more.