New Yorkers can now apply for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program as cold weather settles in across the state. The HEAP program offers up to $996 per eligible household to help offset rising winter heating costs.

This year’s application window opened a month late following the 43-day federal government shutdown, which stalled the release of federal funding. HEAP, administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is fully funded by the federal government.

Some households will automatically receive a HEAP payment based on their participation in other public benefit programs. Those payments were prepared in advance and heat suppliers will receive them directly without any action required from the household.

“As temperatures have already begun t

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