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.
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 3 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-03 22:35:57 GMT
In the six months since Superstorm Sandy the ASPCA has been patching up Cairo, a pit bull terrier mix, but he is still looking for a home. He was about five months old when he was found abandoned in Brooklyn
In the six months since Superstorm Sandy the ASPCA has been patching up Cairo, a pit bull terrier mix, but he is still looking for a home. He was about five months old when he was found abandoned in Brooklyn
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:03:55 GMT
Ever since Superstorm Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey shore last October, officials have planned for a new system of protective sand dunes along the entirety of the 127-mile coast.
Ever since Superstorm Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey shore last October, officials have planned for a new system of protective sand dunes along the entirety of the 127-mile coast.
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