Applications for heating aid up sharply in New York state

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

As the economy falters and high fuel prices linger, many hard-pressed New York residents are seeking government help to pay their heating bills.

High numbers of applicants have turned up at county social service agencies around the state since Nov. 3, the first day New Yorkers could apply for money from the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP.

First-week applications in Albany County numbered around 300, up more than 40 percent from last year. In Buffalo, Erie County officials say about 3,000 people came through the door last week, mirroring last year’s fast start. On Long Island’s Nassau County, officials said heating aid applications were up 30 percent.

The surge in demand was expected given recent economic shocks and fuel price spikes.