The federal government is releasing $339 million dollars from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to New York to help people affected by Superstorm Sandy.
The money is usually used to purchase fuel to heat homes but can be used in emergencies to purchase supplies; from coats and blankets to generators. It can also be used to pay for temporary rentals of equipment for people without heat and electricity.
LIHEAP is the federally funded program that helps low-income households and seniors with energy bills.
Sen. Charles Schumer(D-NY) pressed for the funds to be released early.
"These funds will help provide relief to the Hurricane Sandy victims that are still without power and heat," said Schumer. "LIHEAP recipients should not have to choose between keeping warm and paying for food."
In order to qualify, usually residents must need financial assistance for home energy costs and must meet a specific threshold of annual income before taxes. During an energy crisis, LIHEAP allows states greater flexibility.
For the New Yorkers whose homes have been destroyed by the hurricane, these funds may be used to place people in locations that have access to heating. Schumer added that the funds may also be used to repair or replace furnaces or purchase generators.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:47 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:47:54 GMT
The MTA and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the A train subway will run its route all the way to the Rockaways starting May 30, seven months after Superstorm Sandy washed away the track support bed.
The MTA and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the A train subway will run its route all the way to the Rockaways starting May 30, seven months after Superstorm Sandy washed away the track support bed.
Thursday, May 16 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-16 20:28:43 GMT
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:18:16 GMT
Great Britain's Prince Harry visited several towns along the Jersey Shore that were devastated by superstorm Sandy.
Great Britain's Prince Harry visited several towns along the Jersey Shore that were devastated by superstorm Sandy. The prince began the tour Tuesday morning with a stop in Mantoloking with Gov. Chris Christie followed by a visit to Seaside Heights.
Monday, May 13 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 12:03:24 GMT
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf shop.
Saturday, May 11 2013 8:23 PM EDT2013-05-12 00:23:05 GMT
Rye Playland reopened to hundreds of families and kids Saturday after months of repairs. The amusement park's opening day admission included unlimited rides like the cooling log flume
Rye Playland reopened to hundreds of families and kids Saturday after months of repairs. The amusement park's opening day admission included unlimited rides like the cooling log flume
Saturday, May 11 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-11 22:11:25 GMT
The crane that was damaged and dangling over Midtown during Hurricane Sandy has been repaired. Workers replaced the boom that almost broke off during the powerful storm.
The crane that was damaged and dangling over Midtown during Hurricane Sandy has been repaired. Workers replaced the boom that almost broke off during the powerful storm.
With two weeks to go before the summer crowds arrive, New Jersey shore towns are in a race to finish rebuilding boardwalks wrecked by Superstorm Sandy.
With two weeks to go before the summer crowds arrive, New Jersey shore towns are in a race to finish rebuilding boardwalks wrecked by Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-16 11:42:27 GMT
Authorities say they plan to resume the search for an upstate man now that a body found in the Hudson River earlier this week has been identified as his companion in a canoe that capsized last December.
Authorities say they plan to resume the search for an upstate man now that a body found in the Hudson River earlier this week has been identified as his companion in a canoe that capsized last December.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:03 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:03:28 GMT
Top Senate Democrat Charles Schumer plans to revive legislation that would protect journalists and their employers from revealing their sources
Top Senate Democrat Charles Schumer plans to revive legislation that would protect journalists and their employers from revealing their sources, days after it was revealed that the Justice Department secretly obtained Associated Press phone records.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:09 AM EDT2013-05-14 10:09:21 GMT
The country's four biggest cellphone companies are set to launch their first joint advertising campaign against texting while driving.
The country's four biggest cellphone companies are set to launch their first joint advertising campaign against texting while driving, uniting behind AT&T's "It Can Wait" slogan.
