New Yorkers Help Pay Utility Bills: How to Apply
'22.11.2021'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
Winter can be a tough time for people and families trying to pay bills and keep their homes warm, reports News 10... Applications for this season will begin in October and will continue in the winter until funding for the program ends.
HEAP can help people who heat their homes:
- electricity
- natural gas
- oil
- coal
- propane
- wood or wood pellets
- kerosene
- corn.
According to New York City Public Service Commission, electricity bills and natural gas the 2021-2022 winter season is expected to be higher than last year. At the same time, natural gas prices are projected to rise by an average of about 21% across the state. Propane prices have also increased about 30% since last winter, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Administration's Propane Price Dashboard.
What is HEAP
A Housing Assistance Program in New York City that helps low-income people pay for the heating of their homes. Eligible applicants may receive one regular tool HEAP in season. They may also be eligible for Emergency HEAP if they are in danger of running out of fuel or shutting off utilities. The Emergency HEAP for the current season will open on January 3, 2022.
Right to participate
- you and your family members are US citizens, non-US citizens, or eligible aliens;
- you provide a valid social security number for each family member;
- You are getting Supplemental Nutritional Benefit, Temporary Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income;
- your monthly household income does not exceed the HEAP guidelines.
- You may be eligible for HEAP even if you:
- Have your own home
- Heating charges are included in the rental price
- Have money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or other resources.
HEAP Monthly Income Limits 2021-2022
To qualify for income, your household's total monthly gross income for your family size must be at or below the following requirements:
| Family size | Monthly gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,729 |
| 2 | $3,569 |
| 3 | $4,409 |
| 4 | $5,249 |
| 5 | $6,088 |
| 6 | $6,928 |
| 7 | $7,086 |
| 8 | $7,243 |
| 9 | $7,401 |
| 10 | $7,558 |
| 11 | $7,715 |
| 12 | $7,873 |
| 13 | $8,420 |
| each additional | Add $ 568 |
How to apply
New Yorkers living outside of the city may apply online through the NYS official website.
HEAP candidates will need the following to apply for assistance:
- Proof of residence with one of the following documents:
- Rental receipt with address
- Copy of the lease with address
- Water bill, sewer bill or tax
- Homeowner's insurance policy
- Mortgage payment receipt
- Act
- Utility bill
- A current fuel or utility bill, or a statement from the landlord that your heat and / or utilities are included in your rent.
- Recent pay stubs to confirm the total current monthly income of all household members.
- For each member of your household, you will need one of the following:
- Photo ID
- Driver's license
- Birth certificate or baptismal certificate
- School documentation
- Passport
- Documents proving disability for someone in your family.
