Low and middle-income families across New York are eligible for funds through the Home Energy Assistance Program, which has expanded its requirements this year.

The federally-funded program has eligibility requirements based on income, household size, primary heating source and vulnerable family members, which is defined as a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.

A family of four may still be eligible with a maximum gross monthly income of up to $6,390, or an annual gross income of $76,68, according to a Nov. 12 press release from the governor’s office. Last year, the benefits for the same size family were capped at a maximum monthly gross income of $5,838, and an annual gross income of $70,059.

Each eligible household can apply for one benefit, with the option to apply for emergency benefits later in the winter if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service turned off. Applications for regular benefits are being accepted now and applications for emergency benefits will open Jan. 2.

“New Yorkers should not have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table, and we’re offering critical financial assistance to protect vulnerable New York households as the weather gets colder,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.

Applications can be submitted at www.ny.gov/heat or through the mail or in person at local social services departments. The Franklin County Department of Social Services is at 184 Finney Boulevard in Malone. The office number is 518-481-1807. The Essex County Department of Social Services is at 7551 Court Street in Elizabethtown and can be contacted at 518-873-3878.

Older adults requiring assistance with their application can contact local offices for the aging.

Last year, the state issued $1.7 million HEAP benefits, which amounts to $397 million in savings, according to the state press release. Essex County received more than 3,000 benefits and Franklin County received almost 8,000 benefits, according to data provided by Darren O’Sullivan, a public information officer for the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in Albany.

Other types of funding are available, including for eligible homeowners who need up to $8,000 to replace or up to $4,000 to repair an unsafe or inoperative heating system. Similarly, homeowners can receive up to $500 to clean or tune heating sources.

The state Energy Research and Development Authority EmPower program can help fund energy-efficient home improvements and the state Homes and Community Renewal Weatherization Assistance Program works through local service providers for improvements like insulation installation and the sealing of cracks and holes.

For more information on these programs, visit: Energy Research and Development Authority EmPower program: https://tinyurl.com/4yrtmh38

Weatherization Assistance Program: https://tinyurl.com/yc6x8r7u