Plan would cost NY almost half BILLION dollars
President Obama's budget cuts include a big one for the program that helps seniors and the disabled pay energy-related bills.
HEAP and LIHEAP, which is for low-income people, would see their federal underwriting cut by 50%. New York State alone gets $473-million, almost a half billion dollars, every year for the program.
Lisa Alford, Onondaga County's Commissioner of Aging and Youth, says 5,000 Onondaga County residents have already used the service this year. Every year, all the money allocated here gets used, and it's also a 'door' to help applicants look at other income-stretching programs that help keep people independent and in their homes.
The plan to chop the program is already drawing criticism. US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued a statement that in part says "I don’t think we should balance the budget on the backs of seniors who cannot afford the rising costs of heating their home." Debate on the budget, both the president's proposal and the Republican suggestion for even more severe cuts, is expected to get underway later this week.
HEAP helps seniors (over 60) and the disabled stretch utility bills. It's for homeowners or renters, and will help pay for electricity, gas, oil, coal, propane, wood or kerosene, and there's a relaxed income requirement, with resources such as cars, homes and bank accounts not counted in calculating eligibility for benefit. One person can receive up to $2129 monthly in income, for 2 it's $2,784.
For more information, 435-2362. The application process can be done through the mail or an outreach worker will visit.
