Social service agencies across Long Island have begun accepting applications for special heating assistance grants following delays caused by the federal government shutdown, state officials said.

The restart of the programs follows federal release of about $3.7 billion in congressionally approved aid for the program, Newsday reported last month.

Applications for a one-time payment of $996 to cover heating costs can be made at social services offices across Long Island and the state, as well as online or through the mail, the state said in an alert Monday. The program normally opens the first week of November, but was delayed by the 43-day federal government shutdown.

About 70,000 Long Islanders in the past have received funding from the federal Home Energy Assistance Program, which c

See Full Page