Jacobs and Majority Legislators Announce $250,000 in Additional Funding for Home Energy Assistance Program

Even though the official start to winter is a month away, many Nassau County homeowners are already chilled at the thought of the cost of heating their homes. But thanks to Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and the Majority members, the County’s HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) will be receiving an additional $250,000 in funding in 2006. HEAP helps low-income households meet the high cost of home energy.

Presiding Officer Jacobs, joined by Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) , and Legislators Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck), Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead), Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin), Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington), Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) and Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), recently amended the 2006 budget to include an additional $250,000 for the County’s energy program.

“We all agreed that this essential program was in need of additional funding in 2006,” said Presiding Officer Jacobs. “There is not a resident of Nassau County who is not feeling the pinch of escalating costs of home heating fuels. We hope this allows the County to extend a helping hand to even more people this winter.”

On October 3rd heating oil prices reached a record average retail price of $2.841 here on Long Island. The U.S. Department of Energy has also forecasted that this winter heating oil bills will be about 27 percent higher and gas bills about 40 percent higher.

Those who pay separately for heating costs and households, other than subsidized housing, whose heat is included in their rent, may be eligible for a one time regular benefit during the program year. The HEAP year generally begins in November and closes when the program funding is exhausted, which can be as early as mid-March. Seniors (age 60 and over), and persons of all ages who are permanently disabled or receiving SSI benefits should contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-7386 for further information and an application. All others, including seniors in an emergency situation, must apply in person, or designate someone to apply for them, at: EAC Inc., 175 Fulton Avenue, 4th Floor, Hempstead, N.Y., 11550, 516-565-4327.

Benefits under the Emergency HEAP component can also help prevent utility shut offs, provide emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replace essential, applicant-owned heating equipment. HEAP eligibility is based on the income of a household and the housing situation. Eligible households that do pay directly for heat receive a benefit amount ranging from $200 to $400.

“This year’s eligibility levels have increased,” said Dr. Sharon Mullon, Commissioner of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. “Households whose combined monthly income falls below $1,803 for a single person or $2,358 for a couple may now be eligible for benefits. We are appreciative of these additional funds, which will enable us to serve more persons during this coming winter season.”