Lower Heating Costs: Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Expanding Access to Home Heating Aid for Senior Citizens

Legislation S.8760A/A.9369A Relates to the Identification and Enrollment of EPIC Program Participants Eligible for HEAP Assistance

Puts Money Back in the Pockets of New York’s Seniors, and Reduces Their Heat- and Energy-Related Costs

Governor Hochul signed legislation that will increase the accessibility of home heating aid and help identify more seniors who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) — a federal program available to New Yorkers implemented to help low-income homeowners and renters afford costs associated with heating and cooling. Through this legislation, applicants and participants of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program (EPIC) will be provided information and instructions for enrollment in HEAP.

"Programs like HEAP help put money back in the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers, helping heat their homes in the dead of winter,” Governor Hochul said. “From raising the minimum wage to our proposed inflation refund checks, we’re doing everything we can to tackle the affordability crisis head-on.”

Legislation S.8760A/A.9369A relates to the provision of HEAP information to EPIC program participants. The Department of Health (DOH), which oversees EPIC and its applications, will provide HEAP information and enrollment information with each EPIC application and also through an annual notice to EPIC participants.

Governor Hochul has worked to expand coverage and funding for New Yorkers to receive heating assistance this winter. On Nov. 12, Governor Hochul announced that additional funding was available for seniors and low- and middle-income households to help lower their heat and energy bills. HEAP can provide up to $996 to eligible households and has put over $397 million back in the pockets of New Yorkers.

Applications for the Regular HEAP benefit opened Nov. 1, 2024. Details on eligibility and links to apply can be found here. Seniors who require assistance filling out their HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.