Bill > A00683

This bill establishes a new emergency heating energy assistance program within New York's social services law to help low-income households facing imminent heating-related utility emergencies. The program, which will be administered by the commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, provides additional financial support beyond the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Households can qualify for emergency benefits if they currently receive a HEAP benefit that is insufficient to address their energy crisis, and meet specific conditions such as being without heating fuel, having a heating fuel supply that will last less than seven days, having heat-related utility service disconnected or at risk of disconnection, or having utility service arrears more than 60 days past due or exceeding $300. Social services districts can authorize one or more household payments per program year, with the payment amount determined by an emergency benefits matrix developed annually by the Department of Public Service, subject to the availability of federal funds. The bill aims to provide a safety net for vulnerable households facing potential heating disruptions due to financial hardship.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A683