U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is reminding people how they can apply for federal aid to lower their heating bills.

Gillibrand helped obtain $360 million in federal funding for New York through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems. During winter 2022-2023, the program helped 1.1 million New York households heat their homes.

New Yorkers can find eligibility requirements at ny.gov/heat. The program can provide financial assistance for those who heat their homes with electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood or wood pellets, kerosene, or corn.

Applications for Emergency HEAP Benefits, which assist households in immediate danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off, will open on Jan. 2, 2025.