New York's HEAP Program Closes May 15

New York's Home Energy Assistance Program closes May 15. After that date, applications will not be accepted for either Regular HEAP or Emergency HEAP benefits.

For more information on the federally funded HEAP program see PULP's Winter Extra and PULP's website page on HEAP.

With the end of the HEAP season nearing, terminations are on the rise. Last year, utility gas and electric service was interrupted to 330,000 New York customers as a bill collection effort, and this year, with the rise of unemployment, the number of disconnections may be even larger. See PSC Reports on Devastating Termination Statistics; PSC Launches Seven Low Income Conferences as Utility Shutoffs Soar.

After the HEAP season closes, utility customers facing shutoff may still be eligible for the more restrictive state funded Emergency Utility Assistance Program administered with state and local funds by local departments of social services. See OTDA Eases, but Continues, its Administrative Restriction on Assistance to Utility Customers with Incomes Above the Public Assistance Level.