As temperatures drop, concerns rise about the ability to afford the high cost of heating our homes. That's why Leg. Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) wants to inform County residents about two programs that could provide assistance to those in need: the Federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for low income and senior citizen households and the County's recently-created Middle Income Home Energy Assistance Program (MI-HEAP) approved at the Legislature's October general session.

"As energy costs rise, residents should not have to choose between purchasing much needed medications, heating, and eating," Horsley said. "Luckily, programs like HEAP and the new MI-HEAP will provide heating assistance to thousands of Suffolk County families struggling through difficult economic times."

Depending on their primary heating source, qualifying homeowners and renters can receive the regular HEAP benefit of $800 for oil, propane and kerosene and up to $585 for natural gas, electricity or wood. MI-HEAP will provide a supplemental one-time $500 benefit for up to 1,000 households.

Eligibility for both programs is based on income and household size. A family's gross monthly household income must be at or below the poverty standards set by New York State for HEAP and no more than 35% above that level for MI-HEAP. For example, annual income for a 4-person household cannot exceed $45,312 to qualify for HEAP or $61,171 for MI-HEAP. Last year, more than 25,000 Suffolk County households received assistance through HEAP. Even more will receive benefits this year thanks to MI-HEAP, which was sponsored by Leg. Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon).

Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while available.