As the temperatures drop, many of us wince at the expense of turning up our thermostats, but for others, making decisions about home heating are far more difficult. Many seniors on fixed incomes and families hit by hard times are making tough choices about heating and other necessities like food and medication. New Yorkers should never have to face decisions like whether to keep their home warm and safe or purchase food and prescriptions.

Fortunately, they can rely on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program helped nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers keep their heat on and their homes warm last year. Depending on household size, income and type of housing and heating, a household may be eligible to receive up to $625 to help pay for home heating.

Enrollment has begun and you can sign up at www.myBenefits.ny.gov. You also can call your local county social services department: Jefferson County, 785-3229; Lewis County, 376-5400; Oneida County (Rome Office), 338-0240; and St. Lawrence County, 379-2303.

In addition to regular HEAP benefits, there is a program to help low-income households pay for repairs or replace furnaces, boilers and other heating system elements. This program application period is open now. An in-person visit to your local social services office is required to apply.

Finally, the emergency HEAP program can help in dire situations, such as your electricity being turned off or if you are out of fuel such as oil, kerosene, propane or other wood-based heat fuel. After January 4, 2016, if you find yourself facing one of these troubling situations, please contact your local social services department.

I encourage those who need help to ask for it. I also encourage everyone to engage with their neighbors, especially seniors, to make sure they are okay during the cold days this winter. As always, my office is available to help. Please call 493-3909 or email blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.