Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that New York will receive $360,185,996 in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This money will help thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems this winter.
“Everyone in New York should be able to come home to warmth in the winter. I’m proud to deliver $360+ million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding to make sure seniors and families can afford their energy bills and repair their heating systems,” said Senator Schumer. “We all know Upstate winters can be harsh, and in the last year alone, thousands of Upstate households tapped this critical federal program. I’ve pushed to boost federal funding for LIHEAP because I know how important it is to New York’s families and will keep fighting to ensure that New Yorkers have the resources they need to be safe and warm.”
“LIHEAP provides much-needed support to New York families for their home energy costs, and I’m proud to have helped secure this $360 million in LIHEAP funding for our state as we head into another winter heating season,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Staying warm and protected from the elements is a basic human right, and I’m committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers have the resources they need to pay their energy bills and stay warm, safe, and healthy through the winter.”
Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and financing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that all Americans can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. New Yorkers can also check whether their household qualifies for assistance using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool.