Freezing Temps in NY Find 75% of 50+ Strained by Heating Costs, Says AARP

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With freezing temperatures gripping most towns across New York and signaling winter's impending arrival, AARP is reminding eligible New Yorkers to sign up now for relief. Under the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), New Yorkers can receive up to $625 in help paying their 2014-15 winter heating bills.

Eligible New York households can sign up for the funds this week, but, AARP warns, the relief is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

With New Yorkers paying among the highest average residential electric bills in the nation – and retirees and older New Yorkers on fixed and limited incomes devoting a higher percentage of their income to utilities - HEAP offers help to those with income under levels determined by family size.

"High home heating bills can offset the delicate balance many New Yorkers already have when it comes to paying for the basics," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York State.  "After last winter's harsh economic toll on most New Yorkers' kitchen table economies, we're urging people who need help and are eligible to sign up before the funds are exhausted."

A family of four with an annual income of up to $50,629 ($4,219 per month) can qualify for the assistance.

Eligible households can also qualify for an emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 2, 2015.

According to a recent AARP New York survey, three quarters of New York voters 50 and older say heating their homes causes financial strain, while nearly half are extremely or very worried about being able to pay their utility bills in the coming years.

There's good reason: New Yorkers pay 50 percent above the national average for electricity – second in the continental United States, according to the latest monthly statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

New Yorkers who live outside New York City can apply for HEAP or assess their eligibility by completing a HEAP pre-screening at mybenefits.ny.gov/.

Following are income guidelines:

Additional information is also available by calling toll-free 1-800-342-3009.Follow us on Twitter: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York State

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