By Connor Adams Sheets
Lower-income city residents seeking help paying their heating bills can start at their elected official’s office, where information and assistance on heating grants will be provided free of charge starting Friday.
State Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone), in conjunction with Gov. David Paterson’s office, announced during a Nov. 5 press conference that Meng will once again open her Flushing office to those looking to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program.
The annual program assists lower-income New Yorkers in heating their homes by awarding benefits based on income, primary fuel source and the number of household members under 6 or over 65 years old.
“In the winter it can get desperately cold, and there are people who need help heating their homes,” Stavisky said at the announcement. “They’re not giveaways, these are programs, same as Social Security and Medicare, that they are entitled to.”
Those who would like assistance may stop in at Meng’s office for assistance with filling out paperwork or to ask questions every Friday until May from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Translators will be available for those who speak Chinese, Korean or Spanish and interested parties should bring all the necessary documents.
“The exorbitant cost of keeping warm has created a dire predicament for too many Flushing residents and HEAP assistance provides additional protection for those who need it most,” Meng said.
For more information on the services Meng’s office is providing for HEAP applicants, call 718-939-0195, stop in at her district office at 136-20 38th Ave., Suite No. 10A, Flushing or visit assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=022.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
