With a monetary assist from the federal government, the state is expanding its Home Energy Assistance Program to help homeowners meet heating needs this winter.

A family of four with a household income of $56,635 will qualify for emergency HEAP benefits, up from last year's $45,312 threshold, said Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) of this one-time federal authorization.

HEAP assists low-income New Yorkers in paying for the cost of heating their homes and also provides emergency benefits.

"New Yorkers are facing a particularly difficult economic downturn," said Cusick. "Paying for gas heat has been an extra hardship on families this winter, and some have had to choose between putting food on their table, paying for necessary prescription medicines or keeping the temperature in their home above 60 degrees. HEAP's expansion will help keep seniors on fixed incomes and working families struggling to make ends meet warm, healthy and safe."

Under the expanded benefits, residents who qualify could receive as much as $2,500 in aid this winter, noted Cusick.

For further information about HEAP and how to apply, call the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 800-342-3009, or visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap, or www.myBenefits.ny.gov.

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