Bill > S01966

This bill amends the social services law to require social services districts to automatically re-enroll eligible households in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during each heating season, as long as those households continue to meet existing federal and state eligibility requirements. The bill defines "heating season" as the time period designated annually by the office of temporary and disability assistance. Currently, eligible households must typically reapply for energy assistance each year, but this legislation would streamline the process by automatically renewing benefits for those who remain qualified. The goal is to reduce administrative burden for both households and social services districts, and to help ensure that low-income families can more consistently receive critical energy assistance during cold months. The bill maintains existing requirements that households must still meet federal and state eligibility standards to receive benefits, and that benefits are contingent on the availability of federal funding.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1966