Dear Colleagues:
The Winter 2020-21 Home Energy Assistance Program (“HEAP”) application cycle opens next Monday, November 2.
As you know, HEAP is a benefit that helps low- and fixed-income New Yorkers pay the cost of heating their homes during the winter months. The once-per-cycle credit can be used towards a resident’s electric, natural gas, oil, propane, wood/wood pellets, kerosene and/or corn oil heating bill. The program applies to both homeowners and renters.
To apply, visit MyBenefits.NY.gov or call your local Department of Social Services or NYC Human Resources Administration.
If your constituents’ income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Utility Law Project (“PULP”) strongly encourages them to apply for HEAP. We similarly urge all low- and fixed-income consumers to do so because the receipt of HEAP will result in the customer being automatically enrolled into their utility company’s low-income discount program, which results in a monthly deduction on their energy bill.
Please note, while there is a moratorium on utility terminations in place at this time, the receipt by your constituents and other customers of utility termination notices allows them to become eligible for HEAP. Such notices should not result in termination until the moratorium ends.
We are in the process of creating social media graphics for sharing in English and Spanish, so stay tuned for those. If in the meantime, you have any questions, feel free to call our hotline at (877) 669-2572 or email us at info@utilityproject.org.
Sincerely,
Richard Berkley, Esq.
Executive Director
The Public Utility Law Project
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