HEAP Can Help More New Yorkers
December 1, 2008
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is raising the income guidelines for emergency HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) benefits, thanks to additional funding provided by the federal government. The additional funds were released after OTDA had formulated this year’s HEAP plan. Read More

Identity Theft Issues Abound
November 1, 2008
The illegal use of social security numbers (SSNs) continues to a major problem. Both the GAO (General Accountability Office) and the SSA OIG (Office of the Inspector General) have recently issued reports concerning the safeguarding of this information. On a related note, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has created a toll-free number for identity theft victims. Read More

Advocate Alert!
Make Sure Your Clients Aren't Losing Out on This Year's HEAP Renters Benefit
October 1, 2008
We learned from OTDA recently that almost $1 million dollars in HEAP renters benefits were expunged last year because households had failed to access the benefit within the required 90-day time period.  That translates into approximately 20,000 low-income households losing out on their $50 HEAP benefit. Read More

Local Districts to Provide Emergency Heating Assistance
January 1, 2006
Despite the wet Christmas that many of us experienced, it promises to be a cold winter for our clients – especially with heating costs expected to skyrocket. Read More

Electronic Issuance of HEAP Benefits Issued May Be a Problem for SSI Recipients
December 1, 2004
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who also receive food stamps have recently received notices telling them that their Home Energy Assistance Payment (HEAP) benefit is being issued electronically. In the past, HEAP benefits to SSI recipients have been issued in the form of a check. This new method of issuance may be creating problems for SSI recipients who have previously HEAP benefits by check. Read More