Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester, Henrietta, Chili) announced that the federal government has approved $50 million in additional funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), enabling more local families to receive benefits into February.

“Record lows and long stretches of arctic weather are still coming through the region,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “Thankfully, the federal government has recognized the need for an extension of benefits to help our neighbors stay warm during these cold winter months.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $454 million in funding to states, boosting New York’s HEAP allowance by a much-needed $50.6 million. The recent increase brings the state’s total for the 2013-14 heating season to more than $366 million.

Eligibility for HEAP relies on numerous factors, including income, household size, the primary heating source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.

HEAP also assists low-income homeowners with repairing or replacing any damaged or non-functioning heating equipment, including furnaces, boilers or other direct-heating components necessary to keep the home’s heating source functional. HEAP benefits could cover the incurred cost of such repairs or replacements, up to $6,500.

Eligible households in New York may receive one regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an emergency benefit if they are at risk of running out of fuel or having their utility service turned off. HEAP assistance has already been provided to more than 1.3 million New York households this winter, and there are still households in need of assistance according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Those who think they may be eligible should visit myBenefits.ny.gov or reach out to the Monroe County Social Services Department at 585-753-6000. For more information about HEAP, visit otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.