Apply For HEAP, Beat Energy Costs

As the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) kicked off its 28th season in early November, city Department For the Aging Commissioner Edwin Méndez-Santiago, LCSW urged older New Yorkers to apply for a HEAP grant to help meet the challenge of paying for heating and utility costs during the cold winter months. A federally funded program, HEAP provides financial assistance to limited-income households to offset the costs of heating and energy, including electricity, gas, oil, coal, propane, wood and kerosene bills.

"During the cold winter months when heating bills become exorbitant, older New Yorkers can find relief through the Home Energy Assistance Program," Méndez-Santiago said. "The Department urges all eligible seniors to take advantage of this benefit and apply for a HEAP grant to help pay for the high cost of energy and utility bills. In the meantime, seniors should do everything they can to winterize their homes to save on energy costs."

Seniors are eligible for HEAP if they meet the income guidelines, are 60 years of age or older or are the head of household receiving Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income Code A (SSI) and lives alone with a spouse only. HEAP grants vary, depending on household income and type of heating.

Older New Yorkers who pay for heat and utilities directly and those whose heat and utilities are included in their rent are eligible to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program. HEAP applicants who rent and do not pay their own fuel can receive up to $50, while applicants who pay for their own fuel can receive as much as $540. Last year, the city issued an estimated 466,278 grants totaling approximately $32 million.

In addition to the regular fuel and utility benefits, seniors who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff or less than seven days' supply of heating fuel, may also apply for emergency benefits. HEAP-eligible seniors who reside in one- to four-unit homes may also benefit from the Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP), which provides free weatherization measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Older New Yorkers can take a few additional steps to secure their homes for the upcoming winter months and stay warm:

• Keep drafts out- seal any gaps and make sure all doors and windows are shut tightly.

• Keep window shades and drapes closed at night to conserve heat. During the day, open shades to take advantage of the heat of sunlight.

• Close off vents or shut the doors to rooms that are not frequently used.

• Keep the furnace air filter clean. A dirty or clogged filter can make furnaces work harder and can increase costs.

• In homes with an attic, make sure to close off any attic vents or fans during the winter and check on how well the attic is insulated. Much of the heat escaping homes is lost through the attic.

To receive a HEAP application, call 311 or visit DFTA at www.nyc.gov/aging. For more information on HEAP, log onto ACCESS NYC at www.nyc.gov, call the Human Resources Administration (HRA) Info Line at 1-877-HRA- 8411 or visit www.nyc.gov/hra.