Rockland families may get help in paying heating bills

February 18, 2008

Rockland County has received additional federal funds to allow low income families to apply for a second cash grant to help pay their heating bills.

HEAP the state's annual Home Energy Assistance Program, is run by the county Department of Social Services. The programs start every year in November and is typically a one-time grant.

The extra money will allow for a second emergency benefit for those eligible families that have received a HEAP grant this winter but are still unable to pay their heating bills.

"We are very thankful that New York State received this extra funding. This will allow numerous families here in Rockland to stay warm this winter," DSS Commissioner Susan Sherwood said in a statement.