While much of the focus has been on the impact on SNAP benefits, the ongoing government shutdown is also affecting a program that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on to help heat their homes.
The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, has had its application process delayed until further notice due to the ongoing shutdown and lack of federal funding.
Normally, customers would be auto-enrolled in NYSEG’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) when they file their HEAP application, but because of the delays, NYSEG customers should contact the company directly to manually enroll.
To check eligibility and secure EAP enrollment, NYSEG customers can call 1-800-572-1111 or visit the company’s website at nyseg.com/helpwithbill for more information.
NYSEG EAP Application form EAP Application Form PDF
For more info on EAP see https://www.nyseg.com/account/waystopay/helpwithbill/heap-and-eap-programs and https://dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program
For more on HEAP see https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
For latest updates on NYS SNAP benefits see https://otda.ny.gov/snap-benefits-shutdown.asp
