As the summer approaches, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New York State opened applications on April 15th. It is estimated that 18,500 vulnerable families will receive assistance for air conditioning this year. Concurrently, Governor Hochu urged Congress to reject President Trump’s efforts to cut funding for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which annually helps over 1.4 million New York families with heating and cooling costs.
Governor Hochu announced on Wednesday (April 15th) that low-income residents of New York State could apply for air conditioning assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) starting immediately.
The air conditioning assistance program is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and will cover air conditioning costs for eligible households. These households include those with documented exacerbated illnesses due to extreme heat and humidity, as well as households with young children or elderly members.
To qualify for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), applicants must meet eligibility criteria and income thresholds (specific standards vary based on household size) and have at least one member of the household suffering from a heat-related illness, under the age of 6, or over the age of 60.
Applications for cooling assistance will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. The program covers costs for air conditioning or fans, as well as installation services provided by vendors participating in the HEAP program.
Since applications started in mid-April, many eligible families can have their equipment installed before the peak of summer.
Residents outside of New York City can apply by phone or in person at their local social service department (https://tinyurl.com/rw7crbvv); residents of New York City can apply in person at local Human Resources Administration (HRA) welfare centers, by phone, or by visiting the website (https://access.nyc.gov/).
Currently, President Trump is attempting to cut funding for LIHEAP for low-income families. This move has been met with opposition from all Democrats.
“Right now, the President is trying to eliminate the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, causing utility bills for Americans to skyrocket,” Hochu said in a statement. “I urge our Republican congressional delegation to step up, show courage, and protect the constituents they were elected to represent in Washington.”