Winter’s cold weather is right around the corner, and with it comes higher home heating bills. Thankfully, the HEAP program will again provide financial assistance to qualified Suffolk residents to help pay for those higher energy costs.

HEAP, or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides grants for heating bills ranging from $40 to $400 to eligible seniors 60 and over, those with disabilities and households with children under 6, all of whom are hard hit by the rise in energy costs. New York’s program provides regular and emergency benefits and both renters and home owners may be eligible.

Eligibility is based on a household’s income, living arrangement, heating expenses, young, old or disabled family members, and type of heat. For instance, a family of four that pays for its heat directly and has a gross monthly income of less than $3,325 could receive between $150 and $400. An elderly couple that doesn’t pay directly for heat and makes less than $2,261 could see between $40 and $50.

To receive an application or find out if you are eligible for HEAP benefits, contact the Office of the Aging at 853-8327 or call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can also visit www.otda.state.ny.us and download an application off the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site.

The cold weather can put a strain on families living on tight budgets. The HEAP program is available to help the elderly, working families and others who are stung by rising home heating costs. Find out if you qualify today, and make this coming winter as safe and warm as possible.