While much of the focus has been on the impact on SNAP benefits, the ongoing government shutdown is also affecting a program that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on to help heat their homes.
The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, has had its application process delayed until further notice due to the ongoing shutdown and lack of federal funding.
In 2024, 1.8 million households in New York State used HEAP to help with heating and utility costs totaling close to $400 million…