ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After the federal shutdown caused a delay in the application process, some households who were approved for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) are still waiting for the funds to actually reach their utility accounts.
The application process opened on December 1st after a month-long delay due to the federal shutdown. A majority of participants in New York are automatically enrolled in HEAP if they are already receiving public assistance or SNAP benefits. In Monroe County alone, anywhere between 60-65,000 people typically receive the benefit.
Despite government assurances that the money is on its way, those in need are left wondering when it will arrive. Sharon Ebbs, who keeps her home at 64 degrees to conserve energy, relies on HEAP to help pay her energy bill. “I wear fleece and alpaca socks, I swear by alpaca socks,” Ebbs says with a smile…